Sexual Function Following Treatment for Carcinoma of Cervix

Abstract

A retrospective study of the changes in sexual function of 103 Chinese patients after treatment for carcinoma of cervix was done. Ten patients were irradiated, 40 patients were treated by surgery and 53 patients received both surgery and irradiation. Changes in sexual function were noted in all 3 groups. Patients who had undergone major operation were reluctant to resume sexual intercourse because of cultural beliefs and erroneous ideas regarding sex, surgery and cancer. It is proposed that radiotherapy might be a better form of treatment for some of these patients.