Sexual Quality of Life and Sexual Problems of Women with Gynecological Cancer: Evaluation According to Treatment Methods and Cancer Types

Abstract

The aim of current study was to examine the sexual quality of life and problems of women with gynecological cancer in a Turkish Muslim population to evaluate them according to their treatment modalities. This study was conducted on 350 women who voluntarily accepted to participate in the study and were treated for gynecological cancer. Patients; who are aged from 18 to 65 years, have partners, sexually active, completed first treatment, not in the terminal period, without neurological and psychiatric disorders were included in the study. The research data were collected by using the descriptive characteristics form and Sexual Quality of Life Scale-Female (SQOLS-F). The quality of sexual life of women with gynecological cancer was very low (34.1 ± 10.2). The sexual quality of life of women with gynecological cancer differed according to the treatment methods and cancer types. Sexual quality of life was higher in those who received surgical treatment than those who received radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. In addition, pathological symptoms were observed more intensely, especially in the chemotherapy group. In addition, pathological symptoms were observed more intensely, especially in the chemotherapy group. In addition, most of the women did not receive information about sexuality from the health personnel during the treatment process and did not share their sexual problems with the health personnel.