Perioperative sexual interest in women with suspected gynecologic malignancies

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology 2017-07, Vol.146 (1), p.109-113
• Main Authors: Bretschneider, C.E, Bensen, Jeannette T, Geller, Elizabeth J, Gehrig, Paola A, Wu, Jennifer M, Doll, Kemi M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Counseling - methods; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female - physiopathology; Genital Neoplasms, Female - psychology; Genital Neoplasms, Female - surgery; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Middle Aged; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Perioperative Period - psychology; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior - physiology; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexuality - physiology; Sexuality - psychology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.04.001

Abstract Objectives For women with gynecologic cancer, the impact of surgery on sexual interest and desire in the immediate and later postoperative period is not well characterized. The objective of this study was to report the perioperative trends of changing sexual interest and desire in a cohort of women undergoing surgery for suspected gynecologic malignancies. Methods This is an ancillary analysis of a cohort study analyzing health-related outcomes in women who underwent primary surgical management of a suspected gynecologic malignancy between 10/2013 and 10/2014. Subjects completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction Questionnaire (PROMIS-SFQ) preoperatively and questions on sexual interest and desire at one, three, and six months postoperatively. Bivariate tests and multiple linear regression were used to analyze data. Results Of 231 women who completed a baseline PROMIS-SFQ, 187 (81%) completed one-month, 170 (74%) three-month, and 174 (75%) six-month follow-up interviews. Following surgery, 71% of enrolled subjects were diagnosed with a malignancy. Women age < 55 had a greater decrease in sexual interest from baseline to one month than women age > 55 (− 5.5 ± 1.0 vs − 2.3 ± 0.9, p = 0.02). In a multivariable analysis, age < 55 remained associated with a larger decrease in sexual interest at one month postoperatively (− 4.6, 95% CI: − 1.8, − 7.4), as did having cancer vs benign disease for women of all ages (− 5.6, 95% CI: − 9.6, − 1.5). Conclusions This study provides new data regarding the timing and magnitude of changes in sexual interest following gynecologic oncology procedures.