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Informational needs about the effects of gynaecological cancer on sexuality: a review of the literature
Author(s) -
Gamel Claudia,
Hengeveld Michiel,
Davis Bryn
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2702.2000.00416.x
Subject(s) - human sexuality , sexual function , cervical cancer , medicine , sexual intercourse , gynaecological cancer , cancer , sexual dysfunction , affect (linguistics) , gynecology , clinical psychology , psychology , psychiatry , gender studies , population , sociology , environmental health , communication
• In order to develop a supportive and information‐giving intervention for women with gynaecological cancer, the effects of cancer on sexuality and the associated informational needs were reviewed. • Pre‐diagnosis symptoms of gynaecological cancer which affect sexual function may resolve after treatment; these symptoms are often replaced by treatment‐associated effects on sexuality. • Sexual dysfunction has been found even when women report regular intercourse and sexual satisfaction. • Effects on sexuality seen at 6 months gradually resolve over time. However, women with cervical and ovarian cancer tend to attain better long‐term sexual function than those with vulvar and endometrial cancer. • Specific sexuality information needs can be ascertained from the findings of qualitative studies in which the experience of sexuality, sexual adaptation and received information is described. • Different sexuality information is needed at three time periods: diagnosis and treatment period; recovery and first intercourse; the period of rebuilding sexual life. • The type of information and the time when it is needed are not necessarily the same for women and their partners.