Couples’ sexual health after gynaecological cancer diagnosis – an unexplored area for further research

Introduction:
The aim of the study was to assess the sexual inhibitory tone, body image, self-concept, and sexual performance in couples after gynaecological cancer treatment, and to identify areas for further prospective studies.

Material and methods:
Thirty gynaecological cancer survivors with a heterosexual partner were assessed during a semi-structural sexual interview. Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition scales were used to evaluate proneness to sexual stimuli, whereas a body exposure during sexual activity questionnaire was used to assess body avoidance during sex. Self-concept in cancer survivors was evaluated by a sexual self-scheme scale. The differences in sexual needs, satisfaction, and sexual activity were comped between women and their partners.

Results:
In survivors and their partners the sexual inhibitory tone was higher than the excitatory tone – 3.91 and 2.45 vs. 2.97 and 2.31, respectively. Most women were schematic-positive and co-schematic – 46.7% and 40.0%, respectively. The decrease in importance of sex was higher in women compared to their partners (D change –0.88 and –0.22, respectively). The frequency of satisfying sex decreased after treatment in women but increased in their partners – D change: –1.04 and +2.94, respectively. Satisfaction with sexual life and quality of relationship improved or did not change after cancer diagnosis in women. None of the sexual response elements were changed by the cancer diagnosis in partners.

Conclusions:
In cancer survivors with a sexual partner, both people should be carefully counselled because there are some important differences in perception of sexual needs within the couple. Avoiding body exposure during sex and differences in proneness to sexual stimuli should be explored in further studies.