Subjective sexual well-being and sexual behavior in young women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to systematically describe the nature and context of subjective sexual well-being and sexual behavior in young women with breast cancer. METHODS: Data on sexual behavior and subjective sexual well-being were collected through an internet questionnaire. Respondents were included if they had been diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 6 years and were currently 45 years of age or younger. Results were compared with a representative sample of the general Dutch population. RESULTS: In comparison with the general Dutch population of women, young women still undergoing breast cancer treatment are less sexually active and have a more negative experience of sexuality. While women who had already finished their treatment had more or less the same amount of sexual activity as the general Dutch population, there were still major differences in their experience of sexuality. Particularly strong associations were found between these women's sexual well-being in relation to their relationship satisfaction, and sexual interaction competence. CONCLUSION: In the wake of breast cancer treatment, young women have difficulty enjoying sex; it is evidently hard for them to resume their sex lives after breast cancer. In particular, women who find it hard to discuss sexual wishes and the possibilities and impossibilities associated with breast cancer with their partner experience negative consequences when trying to resume their sex lives.

Sexual dysfunction in young women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in young women with breast cancer in the Netherlands, and to assess the relationship between sexual dysfunction, treatment methods and treatment-related complaints. Also, the interest among women with breast cancer in receiving care for sexual dysfunction was determined. METHODS: Data on sexual functioning were collected through an internet questionnaire. Respondents were included if they had been diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 6 years and were currently 45 years of age or younger. Results were compared with a representative sample of the general Dutch population RESULTS: Of the women who were still undergoing treatment, 64 % had a sexual dysfunction. In women who had completed treatment, this was 45 %. All assessed dysfunctions were more common among these young women with breast cancer in comparison with women in the Dutch population. Particularly, early menopause and hormone therapy caused long-term occurence of genital arousal disorder. Radical mastectomy caused long-term occurrence of female orgasmic disorder, and early menopause dyspareunia. Half of the women reported that the topic "changes in sexual functioning" had been brought up during treatment, mostly on the initiative of the health professional. Six out of 10 women with a sexual dysfunction who felt a need for care did not consult a health professional. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent among young women with breast cancer. This appears to improve after treatment has been completed, but women are far from recovered. The initiative to discuss sexuality should lie with the health professional. Including sexuality within treatment guidelines will prevent women with breast cancer from being deprived of care.

Efficacy of sexological healthcare for people with chronic diseases and physical disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in a short and well-structured psychosexual therapy was effective for people with a broad range of physical impairments and chronic diseases. Data were collected from 37 men and 10 women (between 30 and 70 years of age). The results demonstrated that psychosexual therapy has a positive effect on several areas of sexual well-being: less relational stress and sexual stress and an increase in sexual satisfaction, sexual esteem, sexual interaction competence, and a higher frequency in sexual contact. Although based on a relatively small sample, these findings clearly indicate that people with physical impairments can benefit from psychosexual therapy.