Medycyna Paliatywna

Abstract

3/2023 vol. 15
Review paper

Female sexual disorders in the course of genitourinary cancers

  1. Klinika Medycyny Paliatywnej, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
  2. Szpital Zakonu Bonifratrów pw. Aniołów Stróżów, Katowice, Polska
  3. Caritas Diecezji Warszawsko-Praskiej
Medycyna Paliatywna 2023; 15(3): 100–109
Online publish date: 2023/11/16
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Confronting perimenopausal women’s knowledge of coronary heart disease with their health behaviours. Controversial role of hormone replacement therapy in the protection of coronary heart disease
The sexuality of women with cancer is impaired both as a direct result of the disease and due to its treatment. Both factors have a significant impact on the body and psyche of patients, leading to sexual disorders of varied and complex aetiology. Among other things, disorders of desire, arousal and orgasm, impaired lubrication and vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, and deterioration of self-perception are observed in the course of cancer and cancer therapy. Patients with malignancies in locations crucial to sexual health, such as genitourinary cancers, are at particularly high risk for sexual dysfunction. It is estimated that more than 65% of women with cancer experience sexual dysfunction regardless of its type. In gynaecological cancers the reported prevalence of sexual disorders is notably high (78% on average) and can reach as much as 89%, with patients being at 2.7–3.5 times higher risk of developing sexual health dysfunctions than the general population. Greater risk of sexual disorders is also observed in female patients undergoing cystectomy due to bladder cancer. Given the magnitude of the phenomenon, it is important to raise awareness of patients in this area, as well as to implement early diagnosis and implement effective therapy.
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