Sexuality and Menopause: Unique Issues in Gynecologic Cancer

Melinda G Harris

doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2019.02.008

Sexuality and Menopause: Unique Issues in Gynecologic Cancer

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2019 Apr;35(2):211-216. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.02.008. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Author

Melinda G Harris¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.. Electronic address: mharris3@mdanderson.org.

PMID: 30871843
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.02.008

Abstract

Objective: To provide current evidence on treatment- and disease-related sexual health concerns of women with gynecologic cancers.

Data sources: Literature from 2006-2017 from MEDLINE, and PubMed databases.

Conclusion: There are both physiologic and psychosocial sexual health sequelae among women treated for gynecologic cancer, including induced menopause. The management of symptoms requires communication between provider and patient because the effects can be long lasting and directly affect the patient's quality of life.

Implications for nursing practice: Assessment of and communication about potential sexual health changes should begin at the time of diagnosis of gynecologic malignancies and continue through survivorship.

Keywords: gynecologic cancer; menopause; sexual health; sexual intimacy; sexuality; survivorship.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Female
Genital Neoplasms, Female / physiopathology*
Genital Neoplasms, Female / psychology*
Humans
Menopause*
Quality of Life
Sexuality*