Effects and management of pelvic radiation on female reproductive system: Sexual dysfunction, fertility effects, and premature menopause

Abstract

As a result of advanced treatment techniques, great strides have been made in the enhancement of survival in patients with pelvic malignancies. However, the control and even cure of these malignancies come with a price; and all health professionals involved in the care of these patients must be aware of issues of post-treatment sexual dysfunction as well as the treatment-related hormonal effects on fertility and menopausal status. Instead of focusing solely on cancer recurrence and direct physical effects of treatment, sexual function and dysfunction, signs and symptoms of premature menopause, and when relevant, fertility issues should be reviewed on a regular basis during follow-up evaluations. Unfortunately, although interest is increasing, these aspects of post-treatment care in women with pelvic malignancies have not been well-studied, and therefore the data discussed in this chapter are, in part, extrapolated from the range of published work and personal experience related to these conditions.