Abstract

Objective

To compare objective contraction of the pelvic floor, vaginal stenosis and dyspareunia with sexual function and health related quality of life in gynecological cancer survivors.

Method

Cross-sectional study with women referred to oncological treatment for gynecological cancer with at least six months of the treatment. Study participants completed an initial evaluation form regarding demographic characteristics, and medical history, QS-F and FACT-G questionnaires, and gynecological physical examination.

Results

Sixty-four patients with a mean age of 50 years, of which 56.3% were sexually active, were evaluated. The most frequent type of cancer was cervical cancer (62.5%) and the main treatment was hysterectomy (54.7%). The presence of dyspareunia was observed in 32.8% of sexually active women, vaginal stenosis was identified in 45.3% of the cases, and 45.3% presented no objective contraction of the pelvic floor. The comparison of QS-F questionnaire scores showed a significant difference considering the presence or absence of vaginal stenosis and dyspareunia, while the presence or absence of objective contraction of the pelvic floor did not show a significant difference in sexual function. There was an association between vaginal stenosis and dyspareunia, but sexual activity and contraction of the pelvic floor were not related to vaginal stenosis. In addition, vaginal stenosis, dyspareunia and contraction of the pelvic floor were not significantly associated with health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

The presence of pelvic floor dysfunction in gynecological cancer survivors indicated impairment in sexual function with no negative impact on health-related quality of life.

Keywords:
Pelvic Floor; Sexual Dysfunction; Vaginal Stenosis