Sexual Difficulties of Patients With Gynecological Cancer.

Abstract

Patients with gynecological cancer often endure painful and distressing medical procedures during the treatment of their illness. Psychologists can play an important role in helping these women deal with the complex psychosexual challenges posed by cancer and its treatment. This empirically informed article provides clinicians with critical knowledge on the sexual health of survivors of gynecological cancer. As illustrated by the findings of an exploratory study involving 21 patients, it is important to assess the psychosexual and related medical challenges experienced by these women. Implications for practice and suggestions toward the improvement of the quality of the health care provided to this patient population are also discussed.