Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Gynecological Cancers

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Cancer and Sexual Health

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

  • 1572 Accesses

Abstract

Gynecological cancers include cancers of the vulva, the vagina, the cervix, the uterus, and the ovaries. All these cancers can affect sexual functioning in many different ways, from the psychological impact of the diagnosis to the psycho­physiological impact of the disease itself, as well as the therapeutic interventions, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Sometimes sexual functioning is already affected prior to the diagnosis due to bleeding, pain, fatigue, vaginal discharge, etc. Immediately after the operation, the direct impact of pain during wound healing and surgical scarring may make any sexual activity painful or impossible. In most treatment procedures of gynecological cancers, the uterus is partly or completely removed and/or the ovaries are removed. These interventions cause the loss of fertility, which is an additional general stressor with a possible negative impact on female sexual identity, femininity, and the feeling of loss of womanhood. The loss of the reproductive potential has been shown to lead to considerable ­distress with depressive reaction [1].

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Schover LR. Sexuality and fertility after cancer. Hematology. 2005;36:523–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Bitzer J, Platano G, Tschudin S, Alder J. Sexual counseling for women in the context of physical diseases – a teaching model for physicians. J Sex Med. 2007;4:29–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Likes WM, Stegbauer C, Tillmanns T, Pruett J. Correlates of sexual function following vulvar excision. Gynecol Oncol. 2007;105(3):600–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Likes WM, Stegbauer C, Tillmanns T, Pruett J. Pilot study of sexual function and quality of life after excision for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. J Reprod Med. 2007;52(1):23–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Andersen BL, Turnquist A, LaPolla J, Turner D. Sexual functioning after treatment of in situ vulvar cancer: preliminary report. Obstet Gynecol. 1988;71(1):15–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Green MS, Naumann RW, Elliot M, Hall JB, Higgins RV, Grigsby JH. Sexual dysfunction following vulvectomy. Gynecol Oncol. 2000;77(1):73–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Andreasson B, Moth I, Jensen SB, Bock JE. Sexual function and somatopsychic reactions in vulvectomy-operated women and their partners. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1986;65(1):7–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Weijmar Schultz WC, van de Wiel HB, Bouma J, Janssens J, Littlewood J. Psychosexual functioning after the treatment of cancer of the vulva. A longitudinal study. Cancer. 1990;66(2):402–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Vistad I, Fosså SD, Dahl AA. A critical review of patient-rated quality of life studies of long-term survivors of cervical cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2006;102(3):563–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Schover LR, Fife M, Gershenson DM. Sexual dysfunction and treatment for early stage cervical cancer. Cancer. 1989;63(1):204–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Abitbol MM, Davenport J. Sexual dysfunction after therapy for cervical carcinoma. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1974;119(2):181–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Jensen PT, Groenvold M, Klee MC, Thranov I, Petersen MA, Machin D. Early-stage cervical carcinoma, radical hysterectomy, and sexual function. A longitudinal study. Cancer. 2004;100(1):97–106.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Jensen PT, Groenvold M, Klee MC, Thranov I, Petersen MA, Machin D. Longitudinal study of sexual function and vaginal changes after radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2003;56(4):937–49.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Greimel RE, Wubter R, Kapp SK, Haas J. Quality of life and sexual functioning after cervical cancer treatment: a long-term follow up study. Psycho-oncology. 2009;18:476–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Lalos O, Kjellberg L, Lalos A. Urinary, climacteric and sexual symptoms 1 year after treatment of cervical cancer without brachytherapy. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2009;30(4):269–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Bergmark K, Avall-Lundqvist E, Dickman PW, Henningsohn L, Steineck G. Vaginal changes and sexuality in women with a history of cervical cancer. N Engl J Med. 1999;340(18):1383–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Lindau ST, Gavrilova N, Anderson D. Sexual morbidity in very long term survivors of vaginal and cervical cancer: a comparison to national norms. Gynecol Oncol. 2007;106(2):413–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Donovan KA, Taliaferro LA, Alvarez EM, Jacobsen PB, Roetzheim RG, Wenham RM. Sexual health in women treated for cervical cancer: chara-cteristics and correlates. Gynecol Oncol. 2007;104(2):428–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Kylstra WA, Leenhouts GH, Everaerd W, Panneman MJ, Hahn DE, Weijmar Schultz WC, et al. Sexual outcomes following treatment for early stage gynecological cancer: a prospective multicenter study. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 1999;9(5):387–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Van de Wiel HB, Schultz WC, Hallensleben A, Thurkow FG, Bouma J. Sexual functioning following treatment of cervical carcinoma. Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 1988;9(4):275–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Corney RH, Crowther ME, Everett H, Howells A, Shepherd JH. Psychosexual dysfunction in women with gynaecological cancer following radical pelvic surgery. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1993;100(1):73–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Grumann M, Robertson R, Hacker NF, Sommer G. Sexual functioning in patients following radical hysterectomy for stage IB cancer of the cervix. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2001;11(5):372–80.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Jongpipan J, Charoenkwan K. Sexual function after radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. J Sex Med. 2007;4(6):1659–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Serati M, Salvatore S, Uccella S, Laterza RM, Cromi A, Ghezzi F, et al. Sexual function after radical ­hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer: is there a difference between laparoscopy and laparotomy? J Sex Med. 2009;6(9):2516–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Nunns D, Williamson K, Swaney L, Davy M. The morbidity of surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy in the management of endometrial carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2000;10(3):233–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Stuart DE, Wong F, Duff S, et al. What doesn’t kill makes you stronger: an ovarian cancer survivor survey. Gynecol Oncol. 2001;83:537–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Matulonis UA, Kornblith A, Lee H, Bryan J, Gibson C, Wells C, et al. Long-term adjustment of early-stage ovarian cancer survivors. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2008;18(6):1183–93.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Carmack Taylor CL, Basen-Engquist K, Shinn EH, Bodurka DC. Predictors of sexual functioning in ovarian cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. 2004;22:881–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Mirabeau-Beale KL, Kornblith AB, Penson RT, Lee H, Goodman A, Campos SM, et al. Comparison of the quality of life of early and advanced stage ovarian cancer survivor. Gynecol Oncol. 2009;114(2):353–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Krychman ML. Sexual rehabilitation medicine in a female oncology setting. Gynecol Oncol. 2006;101:380–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Miles CL, Candy B, Jones L, Williams R, Tookman A, King M. Interventions for sexual dysfunction following treatments for cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(4):CD005540.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Amsterdam A, Krychman ML. Sexual dysfunction in patients with gynecologic neoplasms: a retrospective pilot study. J Sex Med. 2006;3(4):646–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Stead ML, Brown JM, Fallowfield L, Selby P. Communication about sexual problems and sexual concerns in ovarian cancer: a qualitative study. BMJ. 2001;323:836–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Hersch J, Juraskova I, Price M, Mullan B. Psychosocial interventions and quality of life in gynaecological cancer patients: a systematic review. Psychooncology. 2009;18:795–810.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Robinson JW, Faris PD, Scott CB. Psychoeducational group increases vaginal dilation for younger women and reduces sexual fears for women of all ages with gynecological carcinoma treated with radiotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1999;44:497–506.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Jeffries SA, Robinson JW, Craighead PS, Keats MR. An effective group psychoeducational intervention for improving compliance with vaginal dilation: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2006;65:404–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Maughan K, Clerk EC. The effect of a clinical nurse specialist in gynaecological oncology on quality of life and sexuality. J Clin Nurs. 2001;10:221–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Caldwell R, Classen C, Lagana L, et al. Changes in sexual functioning and mood among women treated for gynaecological cancer who receive group therapy: a pilot study. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2003;10:149–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Scott JL, Kayser K. A review of couple-based interventions for enhancing women’s sexual adjustment and body image after cancer. Cancer J. 2009;15:48–56.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Scott JL, Halford WK, Ward BG. United we stand? The effects of a couple-coping intervention on adjustment to early stage breast or gynecological cancer. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2004;72:1122–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Ekwall E, Ternestedt BM, Sorbe B. Important aspects of health care for women with gynecologic cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2003;30:313–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Stead ML, Fallowfield L, Selby P, Brown JM. Psychosexual function and impact of gynaecological cancer. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2007;21:309–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Lancaster L. Preventing vaginal stenosis after brachy­therapy for gynaecological cancer: an overview of Australian practices. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2004;8:30–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Decruze SB, Guthrie D, Magnani R. Prevention of vaginal stenosis in patients following vaginal brachy­therapy. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 1999;11:46–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. White ID, Faithfull S. Vaginal dilation associated with pelvic radiotherapy: a UK survey of current practice. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2006;16:1140–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Pitkin RM, VanVoorhis LW. Postirradiation vaginitis. An evaluation of prophylaxis with topical estrogen. Radiology. 1971;99:417–21.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Böös JN, von Schoultz B, Carlström K. Elective ovarian removal and estrogen replacement therapy – effects on sexual life, psychological well-being and androgen status. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 1993;14(4):283–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Shifren JL, Braunstein GD, Simon JA, et al. Transdermal testosterone treatment in women with impaired sexual function after oophorectomy. N Engl J Med. 2000;343:682.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Braunstein GD, Sundwall DA, Katz M, et al. Safety and efficacy of a testosterone patch for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in surgically menopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:1582.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Simon J, Braunstein G, Nachtigall L, et al. Testosterone patch increases sexual activity and desire in surgically menopausal women with ­hypoactive sexual desire disorder. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90:5226.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Buster JE, Kingsberg SA, Aguirre O, et al. Testosterone patch for low sexual desire in surgically menopausal women: A randomized Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;105:944.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Creasman WT, Henderson DL. Estrogen replacement therapy in the patient treated for endometrial cancer. Obstet Gynecol. 1986;67(3):301–456.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Suriano A, Mchale M, McLaren CE, Li K-T, Re A, Disaia PJ. Estrogen replacement therapy in endometrial cancer patients: a matched control study. Obstet Gynecol. 2001;97(4):555–60.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Creasman WT. Estrogen replacement therapy: is previously treated cancer a contraindication? Obstet Gynecol. 1991;77(2):308–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Chapman JA, Disaia P, Osann K, Roth P, Gillotte D, Berman M. Estrogen replacement in surgical stage I and II endometrial cancer survivors. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996;175(5):1195–200.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Eeles RA, Tan S, Wiltshaw E, Fryatt I, A’Hern RP, Shepherd JH, et al. Hormone replacement therapy and survival after surgery for ovarian cancer. BMJ. 1991;302:259–62.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Folsom AR, Anderson JP, Ross JA. Estrogen replacement therapy and ovarian cancer. Epidemiology. 2004;15(1):100–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Purdie DM, Bain CJ, Siskind V, Russell P, Hacker NF, Ward BG, et al. Hormone replacement therapy and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Br J Cancer. 1999;81(3):559–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Guidozzi F, Daponte A. Estrogen replacement therapy for ovarian carcinoma survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Cancer. 1999;86:1013–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Frumovitz M, Sun CC, Schover LR, Munsell MF, Jhingran A, Wharton JT, et al. Quality of life and sexual functioning in cervical cancer survivors. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(30):7428–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Women’s Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland

    J. Bitzer

Authors
  1. J. Bitzer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. Alder
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sexual Medicine Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, East 68th Street 353, New York, 10021, New York, USA

    John P. Mulhall

  2. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Dept. Radiation Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Groene Hilledijk 301, Rotterdam, 3075 EA, Netherlands

    Luca Incrocci

  3. Alvarado Hospital, Alvarado Road 6719, San Diego, 92120, California, USA

    Irwin Goldstein

  4. New England Research Institutes, Galen Street 9, Watertown, 02472, Massachusetts, USA

    Ray Rosen

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bitzer, J., Alder, J. (2011). Gynecological Cancers. In: Mulhall, J., Incrocci, L., Goldstein, I., Rosen, R. (eds) Cancer and Sexual Health. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-916-1_29

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-916-1_29

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-915-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-916-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation