Effects of Radiotherapy on Sexual Activity in Women with Cervical Cancer
Somnuk Saewong MD*, Thanapan Choobun MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Objective : To assess changes in sexual activity in women treated for cervical cancer by radiotherapy over a
period of 3 to 12 months.
Materials and Methods : Women treated for cervical cancer were selected at 3 to 12 months post-treatment.
Main outcome measured were changes of sexual activity in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, dyspareunia,
frequency and satisfaction. Comparisons were made between after radiation and before radiation.
Results : The prevalence of sexual dysfunction increased in most patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy.
There were significant reduction in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, frequency of intercourse, and satisfaction
after radiation. Increase in sexual pain was common after treatment, but was not significant in deep dyspareu-
nia. Sexual frequency was significantly correlated with FIGO staging.
Conclusion : Sexual activities were significantly reduced following radiotherapy. Educational and counsel-
ing programs on sexual activity after treatment should be provided to the patients.
Keywords : Sexual activity, Radiotherapy, Cervical cancer
