Sexual Health in Patients with Gynecological Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The sexual problems of patients with gynecological cancer were investigated. This qualitative study was conducted among eleven Turkish women who were treated in the gynecologic oncology clinic and aged between 30 and 55 years old. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Of the cases, 55 % had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 27 % with cervical cancer and 18 % with endometrial cancer. The participants had been affected in terms of body image, sexual functioning, wifehood and motherhood and reproductive ability. Most of the participants reported severe decreases in such features as sexual desire, arousal, the frequency of intercourse and orgasm. In addition, all participants reported that they wanted information from health care professionals (preferably female) and to be able to share problems with them. Sexuality remains a problem that is ignored by healthcare professionals in Turkey. As a vital component in terms of quality of life, healthcare professionals should utilize a more sensitive and personalized approach to sexuality with patients.