Sexual distress and sexual function in a sample of Iranian women with gynecologic cancers

This study aims to examine the correlation between sexual function and sexual distress, and to determine the predictive factors of sexual function and sexual distress in women with gynecologic cancers.

In this cross-sectional study, 387 subjects were referred to Velayat Hospital in Qazvin, Iran, using convenience sampling method between June and August 2016. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R).

Mean scores of sexual function and sexual distress were 19.4 ± 6.7 and 29.2 ± 12.9, respectively. There was no significant correlation between sexual function and sexual distress. Multivariate predictors of FSFI were cancer stage (p = 0.023), cancer type (p = 0.025), duration of disease (β = -0.10, 95% CI [-0.17, - 0.02], p = 0.017) and social support (β = 0.53, 95% CI [0.24, 0.83], p < 0.001). Predictors of FSDS-R were economic status (p = 0.040) and type of cancer (p = 0.016). There was a negative relation between the overall score on FSDS-R and FSFI sub domains of desire (β = -1.4, p = 0.033) and arousal (β = -2.1, p = 0.024).

This study did not support a relation between sexual function and sexual distress. Other factors, however, including cancer type, economic status and social support may affect sexual function and sexual distress. Future studies needed to determine further factors which can affect the sexual distress and sexual function of gynecologic cancer patients.