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Related Concept Videos

Menopause01:28

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital01:23

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital

The genital stage is the final phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, around age 12. During this stage, sexual energy shifts from self-focused interests to external individuals, marking the development of mature adult sexuality. Freud saw this phase as a time of sexual reawakening, with desires directed toward others outside the family. A healthy transition into this stage, according to Freud, signifies the emergence of two key aspects of adult...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
13:35

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction

Published on: May 17, 2024

Sexual function after breast cancer.

Mary Panjari1, Robin J Bell, Susan R Davis

  • 1Monash University Medical School, Alfred Hospital-Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Prahran, Victoria, Australia. mary.panjari@monash.edu

The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|January 5, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Most breast cancer survivors experience sexual dysfunction, often linked to menopause symptoms and aromatase inhibitor use. Body image concerns also significantly impact sexual health in these women.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
13:35

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction

Published on: May 17, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Women's Health
  • Sexual Medicine

Background:

  • Breast cancer (BC) is the most common non-skin cancer in women.
  • A growing population of breast cancer survivors are navigating long-term health and quality of life issues.
  • Understanding the impact of BC diagnosis and treatment on survivors' sexual function is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate how the initial diagnosis of invasive breast cancer (BC) and its treatments affect sexual function.
  • To assess the influence of menopausal symptoms and body image perception on sexual well-being in BC survivors.
  • To identify key factors contributing to sexual dysfunction among women after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 1,684 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
  • Participants completed questionnaires within 12 months of diagnosis and at a 12-month follow-up.
  • Sexual function was assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • 70% of analyzed breast cancer survivors reported sexual function problems.
  • Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with postmenopausal status, vasomotor symptoms, and the use of aromatase inhibitors.
  • Body image issues were strongly linked to sexual problems, with affected women being 2.5 times more likely to report dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • A high percentage of breast cancer survivors experience sexual function problems, particularly those under 70.
  • Aromatase inhibitor therapy can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, contributing to sexual difficulties.
  • Addressing menopausal symptoms and body image concerns is vital for improving sexual health in breast cancer survivors.