Tehran University Medical Journal (Aug 2017)
Comparison of sexual dysfunction in women with breast cancer: case control study
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and can have several profound effects on women’s life. Estrogen and androgens reduction cause sexual problems. Reduction of hormones produce problems such as vaginal dryness, vaginal and vulvar tissue thinning, loss of elasticity of the vagina, hot flashes and other problems. Depression in these patients is also a factor in reducing sexuality. Disruption at any sexual stage can cause sexual problems. In this article; we compare sexual dysfunction in patients with breast cancer and healthy people. Methods: According to the women’s case-control study with simple un-randomized sampling method a total of 245 patients with breast cancer in Ghaem and Emam Reza and Omid hospital from july 2011 to july 2013 entered the study. All patients were on follow-up after therapy, and had a therapy portfolio. In order to achieve better results, questionnaires were distributed among 126 healthy subjects that matched our patient group in terms of age and other factors and were used as the control group. Female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire was filled out by an independent interviewer and all medical, personal and social ethics were applied. The data was then gathered and the score were analyzed with statistical tests. Results: The study was performed on patients 20 to 50 years, mainly in patients aged 35 to 45 years (51.8%). The average age was 41.44±5.87 years. In our study, the most dysfunction was in sexual desire (57.6%), vaginal moisture (53.1%), sexual excitement (48.2%), orgasm (44.1%), and dyspareunia (52.2%) in breast cancer patients. There was significant difference between two group (P<0.001).There is no difference about sexual satisfaction between two groups (P=0.262). Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is common in breast cancer patients compared to healthy women. Dysfunction in orgasm, dyspareunia, reducing vaginal moisture and sexual desire were common in the breast cancer patient. The results of this study should be used to inform patients and physician about sexual problems.
