ABSTRACT
Objectives: Sexual dysfunction is a significant survivorship issue in women with gynecologic cancer. We examined the association between chemotherapy and impaired sexual functioning. Methods: A cross sectional study of women with gynecologic cancer was conducted with a 181-item survey of validated instruments. A sub-analysis of women with chemotherapy treatment was performed to examine factors associated with sexual function including age, menopause status, BMI, diagnosis, stage, surgery/radiation use, active disease status, number of regimens, and number of cycles. Sexual dysfunction was measured by change in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score from pre-treatment with a significant decline in sexual function determined to be a 5.6 point decrease using a Reliable Change Index Statistic (RCIS). Standard statistical tools were employed. Results: A total of 107 (63%) of the women in the larger study had received chemotherapy as part of their treatment and were included in the sub-study. Women undergoing chemotherapy were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction post-treatment (51% vs. 26%; OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5 - 5.7). In bivariate analyses, sexual dysfunction following chemotherapy was associated with age < 50 (80% vs. 42%; OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.9 - 16.6), premenopausal (30.8% vs. 12.7%, OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1 - 8.2) cervical cancer (25.5% vs. 10.0%, OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.0 - 9.4), and low (I/II) stage (51.1% vs. 24.5%; OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4 - 7.7). Conclusions: Women treated with chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer are at a significant risk of impaired sexual function. Women with cervical cancer, early stage disease, those who are premenopausal, and those younger than age 50 are at the highest risk.
Share and Cite:
Blake, E. , Flink, D. , Sheeder, J. , Carrubba, A. , Maroney, M. , Whitmore, G. and Guntupalli, S. (2017) Chemotherapy Use Is a Significant Predictor for Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Gynecologic Cancer.
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
8, 321-326. doi:
10.4236/jct.2017.83027.