Sexual Dysfunction in Oncology

Abstract

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of cancer treatment that affects at least half of men and women treated for pelvic tumors and more than one quarter of individuals with other malignancies.

Objectives/aims

Identification of the main sexual dysfunctions related to cancer treatments. Awareness to the importance of addressing sexuality to cancer patients, identifying the main reasons why healthcare providers usually do not.

Methods

Literature review concerning researched articles published in Pubmed/Medline as well as related bibliography.

Results

Most sexual problems are not caused by the cancer itself, but by toxicities of cancer treatment. Damage during cancer treatment to pelvic nerves, blood vessels and organ structures leads to the highest rates of sexual dysfunction. The most common sexual dysfunction in men under cancer treatment is the loss of desire for sex and erectile dysfunction. In women, the most common sexual dysfunctions are vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and loss of sexual desire, usually accompanied by difficulties in both the arousal and orgasm phases. According to literature, there are many cancer patients who would like to be informed and advised by their healthcare providers about the consequences of cancer treatment on their sexual health. Unfortunately, this rarely happens.

Conclusions

This work intends to publicize current existing information on sexual dysfunction in oncology, focusing on the prevalence, etiology and clinical presentation. The authors also intend to promote communication about sexual function and possible sexual dysfunctions resulting from cancer treatments.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.