International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Gynecological malignancies and their treatments have a profound impact on women's physical, psychological, and sexual health. Sexual dysfunction is an under-reported yet essential survivorship concern in women treated for gynecological malignancies.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence and pattern of sexual dysfunction among women with gynaecological cancers and to evaluate the association between treatment-related factors and female sexual function.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. Female sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data on sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were analyzed. Statistical associations were assessed using appropriate methods, and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant.
Results: A substantial frequency of sexual dysfunction was found among study participants. Reduced sexual satisfaction and genito-pelvic pain were the most commonly affected domains, followed by arousal and lubrication disorders. Women undergoing multimodal treatment had considerably worse sexual function scores than that receiving single-modality therapy. Treatment-related factors had a statistically significant relationship with sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is common among women with gynaecological malignancies, especially after rigorous treatment regimens. Routine sexual health assessments and the incorporation of sexual counseling into cancer care are critical for improving survivors' quality of life.