The relationship between sexual activity during chemotherapy and sexual functioning after treatment among females with breast and gynecologic cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Sexual inactivity has been shown to be a predictor of future sexual problems and related distress in female cancer survivors; however, very little is known about the sexual lives of women in active treatment. The aims of present study are to estimate rates of sexual activity during adjuvant chemotherapy and their relationship to sexual outcomes 12 months after therapy initiation. Methods: Self-report questionnaires were completed by gynecologic and breast cancer patients (n = 58) prior to their first chemotherapy infusion, at three timepoints during treatment, and at follow-up 1 year later. Questionnaires assessed sexual activity, sexual desire, sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and treatment toxicities. Results: Engagement in sexual activity during chemotherapy was significantly associated with reports of experiencing sexual desire (B = 1.94, p =.03), arousal (B = 3.31, p =.01), and higher satisfaction ratings (β =.33, p =.02) 12 months after the initiation of chemotherapy. Conclusions: The results indicate that remaining sexually active during treatment is associated with better sexual function and higher sexual satisfaction in the year following chemotherapy initiation.