Sexual Life After Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common female cancer in our country, and is a disease that can largely be prevented with HPV vaccination and diagnosed early through cervical cancer-specific screening tests (Papanicolaou smear (Pap test) and human papillomavirus testing (HPV)). In this disease, which can be completely treated at early stages, what patients can expect after treatment and in their sexual lives and how they can manage it are often not discussed or may be overlooked. In this article, we aimed to evaluate sexual life, one of the most basic human needs, after cervical cancer treatment.

Vaginal shortening or narrowing and reduced vaginal lubrication are changes experienced after cervical cancer treatment. In addition, women who had not entered menopause before treatment may enter menopause following pelvic radiotherapy or chemotherapy (cessation of menstruation and ovarian function). These physical changes may cause pain during intercourse, vaginal narrowing or shortening may make intercourse difficult, interest in sex may decline and reaching orgasm may become difficult. This adversely affects sexual life.

Using a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant during intercourse may reduce these distressing symptoms. The physician may also recommend hormonal treatment to reduce certain symptoms. However, this depends on the patient’s age at diagnosis and other factors. Patients receiving radiotherapy can be taught how to use a vaginal dilator (expander) several times a week to prevent vaginal shortening or narrowing. Obtaining specialist support for sexual and/or psychological problems will also help.