Sexual functioning following treatment of cervical carcinoma

Women faced with cervical carcinoma usually feel an increased need for support and attention, in particular from their partners as, at the same time an important part of the partner relation, sexual interaction often becomes problematic. In this research the eventuality of a reduced sexual motivation in cervical carcinoma patients was investigated. It was found that sexual interaction is valued significantly less by women treated for cervical carcinoma than by women from a non-patient control group. After treatment no changes in overt sexual behaviour occur. Furthermore an effort was made to identify the most important psychosexual variables underlying the reduction in sexual motivation. It was found that a considerable decrease in the appraisal of oneself as a sexual partner is generally basic to the problem. Apparently women try to cope by conforming to the sexual demands of their partners and with that of prevailing sexual norms. It was concluded that cervical carcinoma treatment has a strong negative effect on the sexuality of the patients and that it often amplifies the already existing ambivalence towards sexual interaction in women.