Sexual dysfunction after cancer: gender differences, tumor-specific patterns, and implications for sexual medicine...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Sexual Medicine
• Survivorship Care

Background:

• Sexual health is integral to overall well-being but is often overlooked in cancer care.
• Cancer treatments cause sexual dysfunction through physical, hormonal, psychological, and relational factors.
• This dysfunction is persistent and frequently under-recognized in cancer survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on cancer-related sexual dysfunction, its assessment, and treatments.
• To focus on gender differences, tumor-site specificity, and implications for sexual medicine.
• To inform clinical practice in sexual medicine and survivorship.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of population-based studies, clinical guidelines, and systematic reviews.
• Examined gender-specific patterns and biopsychosocial mechanisms of sexual dysfunction.
• Focused on assessment and management within sexual medicine and survivorship care.

Main Results:

• Women experience diverse sexual difficulties (e.g., low desire, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, body image issues).
• Men often face overt issues like erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction after cancer treatment.
• Current assessment tools may not fully capture the complexity of post-cancer sexual experiences.
• Effective management involves integrated medical, pharmacological, rehabilitative, and psychosexual interventions.
• Tailored, gender- and tumor-specific approaches are crucial, including culturally competent care for diverse populations.

Conclusions:

• Sexual dysfunction is a common and significant consequence of cancer.
• Comprehensive assessment and personalized, multidisciplinary interventions are vital for high-quality sexual medicine care in cancer survivors.