Sexuality among gynecologic cancer patients--a cross-sectional study

To establish the prevalence of sexual activity among gynecologic cancer patients and to estimate the extent of sexual problems, a cross-sectional study using questionnaires was used. All patients (pts) had gynecologic cancer treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and attended the gynecologic outpatient department at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen from December 1, 1989 to January 31, 1990; 146/186 (78%) pts participated. The study describes the 107/146 (74%) pts who had a partner. Median ages for pts with endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers were 63, 55, and 52 years, respectively. The median time since diagnosis was 15 months (range, 0-311 months). Little or no desire for sexual relations was found among 74% of the patients and 42% of their partners, but 54% of the patients were sexually active, 79% of the patients < 55 years old, and 37% of the patients > 55 years old. Sexual activities were not related to diagnosis or stage of disease. Among the sexually active patients 40% experienced dyspareunia. Only 22% of all patients with a partner expressed dissatisfaction with their sexual life or lack thereof. Despite considerable decrease in sexual desire and frequent dyspareunia, many gynecologic cancer patients continue to be sexually active. Gynecologic cancer patients of all ages should be supplied with information on the possible sexual changes their disease may evoke, but they should also be reassured that many patients regain their sexual capacity and satisfaction.