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Updated: May 28, 2026
10:35
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
[Gynecological cancer and sexuality]
Judith Alder1, Johannes Bitzer
1Frauenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel. Jalder@uhbs.ch
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|October 5, 2011
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is common after gynecological cancer treatment but often overlooked. Management involves physical therapies, medications, and counseling for patients and partners to improve sexual health.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gynecology
- Sexual Medicine
Context:
- Gynecological cancer treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can cause significant sexual dysfunction.
- These treatments damage nerves and vaginal tissues, leading to hormonal changes impacting female sexuality.
- Patients and partners face challenges adapting to these sexual changes, influenced by personal and relational factors.
Purpose:
- To highlight the frequency and under-addressing of sexual dysfunction post-gynecological cancer.
- To explain the physiological and endocrine mechanisms behind sexual problems after treatment.
- To outline current management strategies for sexual dysfunction in this population.
Summary:
- Sexual dysfunction is a frequent and significant sequela of gynecological cancer treatment.
- Treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy (external/brachytherapy), and chemotherapy contribute to neuronal and tissue damage.
- Endocrine changes due to ovarian impact further exacerbate sexual health issues.
- Adaptation to sexual changes is influenced by individual and relationship dynamics.
- Management strategies encompass physical interventions (dilators, pelvic floor exercises), pharmacological treatments (local estrogens, lubricants), and psycho-couple counseling.
Impact:
- Emphasizes the need for systematic screening and management of sexual dysfunction in gynecological cancer care.
- Provides a framework for understanding the multifactorial nature of sexual sequelae.
- Informs healthcare providers about available interventions to improve patient quality of life and sexual well-being.
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