Objectives:
The aim of this study is to determine the changes in the sexual life of women undergoing gynecological cancer treatment and to describe the effects of these changes on their quality of sexual life.
Materials and Methods:
This descriptive study was performed with 101 women diagnosed with endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer to determine the changes in the quality of sexual life in Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method using the Descriptive Characteristics Form and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female after the women who met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the study read and signed the informed consent form.
Results:
The mean age of the participants was 58.32±10.76 years. 96.1% had ovarian cancer, 61.5% had stage 3, and 87.3% received chemotherapy. 49% of them had questions about the changes that may occur in their sexual life during the treatment, and 51% of them had no questions. 13.7% of the reasons for not asking questions were “my other health problems are more important” and 73.5% preferred other (not wanting to explain) reasons. The mean of the scale result was 57.05±1.85.
Conclusion:
The quality of sexual life of women with gynecological cancer was moderate. Health professionals should be aware of the sexual problems experienced by women undergoing gynecological cancer treatment and should be able to provide individualized health care.
Keywords: Gynecologic Neoplasms, Sexual Health, Women
