Cervical cancer survivors’ and partners’ experiences with sexual dysfunction and psychosexual support

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess experiences with sexual dysfunctions, psychosexual support, and psychosexual healthcare needs among cervical cancer survivors (CCSs) and their partners. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with CCSs (n = 30) and their partners (n = 12). RESULTS: Many participants experienced one or more sexual dysfunctions often causing feelings of distress. Most participants reported having been asked about their sexual functioning, although attention for sexual functioning was often limited and medically oriented. Considering sexuality a taboo topic hampered some participants to seek help. Many participants desired information about treatment consequences for sexual functioning, practical advice on dealing with dysfunctions, and reassurance that it is common to experience sexual dysfunction. A website was generally considered a useful and accessible first resource for information about sexual functioning after cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunctions are often distressing. Many patients and partners experience psychosexual healthcare needs, but the provided information and care is generally limited. Psychosexual support should go beyond physical sexual functioning and should take aspects such as sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, and the partner perspective into account. Additionally, offering more practical and reassuring information about sexuality after cervical cancer would be valuable for both CCSs and their partners.