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Understanding Patients' Preferences for Discussing Sexuality After Surgery-A Qualitative Study of Sexuality and Body
Julia Rosa Stöckl1, Marlene M Lee1, Jalid Sehouli1
1Department of Gynecology with Center for Oncological Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Background:
Aspects of sexuality are often deprioritized or overlooked during the treatment of women with ovarian cancer, despite the profound physical and psychosocial impact of surgical and oncological therapies. This study aimed to explore experiences of sexuality and body image in women with ovarian cancer during the peri- and postoperative period.
Methods:
This qualitative exploratory study was based on twelve semi-structured, in-depth interviews with women aged ≥18 years diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Interviews were conducted in person or by telephone, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz with MAXQDA 24.11.
Results:
Participants described substantial changes in sexuality and body image throughout their disease trajectory. Participants emphasized a lack of attention to sexual health and well-being in ovarian cancer care and expressed a need for timely and sensitive dialogue with medical professionals, social support systems, and with themselves regarding sexuality and intimacy.
Conclusions:
Sexuality emerged as a key factor for overall well-being and empowerment in women with ovarian cancer, regardless of age or relationship status. The findings suggest that sexuality-related concerns are oftentimes overlooked in clinical care and may negatively influence recovery. Greater awareness and a holistic, patient-centered perspective may help support sexual health and well-being throughout the disease trajectory.
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