Female sexual dysfunction is a frequent result of gynecologic cancer treatment. When sexual dysfunction occurs it is often neglected, undiagnosed or underdiagnosed. It is seldom addressed even when it is diagnosed, unless the woman is extremely assertive or in crisis. Patients’ and providers’ reticence about the problem obscures the magnitude of it, thereby adding to the problem.
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences of women who have sexual dysfunction after cancer treatment.
Conceptual Framework: Phenomenological theory guided this study. The essential meanings of the experience and the transformation into consciousness were emphasized.
Participants: The design included a purposeful sample of 10 non-hospitalized adult females 19 years of age and older, who were English speaking, had completed at least 3 months of cancer treatment or who were 3 months post cancer surgery and reported sexual dysfunction.
Methods: Data were collected utilizing a phenomenological in-depth taped interview approach. The data were analyzed for recurring themes, similarities, and differences. The pieces that emerged were brought together structuring the total experience, showing patterns and relationships. The outcomes will be used to plan a larger prospective quantitative study.
Preliminary Findings: Three core themes emerged: 1) reluctance to discuss sex and sexual problems with physicians or others due to embarrassment, 2) limited and/or misinformation about sexual function, and 3) patient barriers such as religion and perceived sex role behavior interfered with ability to discuss sexual problems. All participants described an inability to talk about sexual matters with a male physician. Two participants reported long term relationships with female primary care physicians, but neither participant had discussed the sexual difficulty with the respective female physician. All participants reported that no physician had initiated discussion about the experiences of sexual dysfunction.
Conclusions: Understanding the experiences of women who have sexual dysfunction will increase clinical and theoretical knowledge and provide a foundation for further research and scientifically-based interventions.
Session #1223 - Graduate Student Poster Session
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)