Influence of chemotherapy on women's sexuality

Abstract

Sexuality is a complex characteristic that involves the physical, psychological, interpersonal, and behavioral aspects of a person. Many types of cancer and chemotherapy can cause sexual dysfunction. Research shows that approximately one-half of women who have been treated for breast and gynecologic cancers experience long-term sexual dysfunction; the causes of sexual dysfunction are often both physical and psychological. The most common sexual problems for women who have cancer are loss of desire for sexual activity, a change in genital sensations due to pain, loss of sensation and numbness, or decreased ability to reach orgasm. Unlike many other physical side effects of cancer treatment, sexual problems may not resolve within the first ye