Sexual satisfaction and related factors in women previously treated for gynecological cancer

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that women treated for gynecological cancer experience long-term sexual problems. Although several studies have described physical sexual dysfunction among gynecological cancer survivors, there is a relative dearth of research related to sexual satisfaction in women treated for this disease. Purpose: This study explores sexual satisfaction and related factors in women who have undergone gynecological cancer therapy. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional and descriptive-correlational design. A total of 158 female participants were recruited from the gynecology and obstetrics department of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Eighty-three were women treated more than one year ago for stage 1 to 3 gynecological cancer; the remaining 75 had no history of cancer who had visited the medical center for routine cervical cancer screening. Structured questionnaires collected data on participant demographics, gynecological cancer characteristics, and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Krauskal-Wallis test, and Spearman rank correlation. Results: (1) Participants in the recent gynecological cancer group reported significantly less sexual satisfaction than their healthy control peers; (2) Level of sexual satisfaction reported by participants in the recent gynecological cancer group was significantly related to the following factors: number of years since treatment, participant age, relationship status, and financial condition. Those who received therapy one year ago reported low levels of sexual satisfaction; those who were younger, richer, or had a better relationship status reported better levels of sexual satisfaction. Conclusions / Implications for Practice: Study findings can help healthcare professionals understand and educate patients about the potential sexual health implications of gynecological cancer treatment. Healthcare professionals can focus particular attention on patients who are older, poorer, or have a relatively poor relationship status.