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Sexual function of patients under surveillance for bladder cancer
Author(s) -
Van Der Aa Madelon N.M.,
Bekker Milou D.,
Van Der Kwast Theo H.,
EssinkBot MarieLouise,
Steyerberg Ewout W.,
Zwarthoff Ellen C.,
Sen Fatma E.F.,
Elzevier Henk W.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2008.08333.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sexual function , sexual dysfunction , outpatient clinic , population , libido , gynecology , physical therapy , environmental health
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and evaluate risk factors in patients just diagnosed with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMI UC), who have the prospect of an intensive surveillance scheme by cysto‐urethroscopy to detect tumour recurrences. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a cross‐sectional survey on 150 patients just diagnosed with primary or recurrent NMI UC. Patients were participating in a randomized clinical multicentre trial (CEFuB), comparing two surveillance schemes. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires at study entry 3 months before the start of the study‐surveillance scheme (demographic characteristics, a validated visual analogue scale, and validated subset of questions on sexual function and performance derived from QLQ‐BLS‐24). The results were compared with those from an age‐and gender‐matched healthy population. RESULTS The response rate was 95% (142/150); 61% (87/142) of the respondents were sexually active in the previous 4 weeks after diagnosis, 66% (70/105) of men and 46% (17/37) of women. Although libido was not negatively affected, 54% (47/87) of the patients had a sexual dysfunction, and 23% (17/73) were afraid to inflict harm on their partner by sexual contact. Sexually active patients perceived a higher state of general health ( P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with NMI UC is very high (54%) compared with an age‐ and gender‐matched healthy population (20–45%). No predictors for sexual dysfunction were found. These patients and partners would benefit from proper sexual information in the outpatient clinic.