The impact of brachytherapy on sexual life in patients with gynecological cancer
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of brachytherapy on sexual life in patients diagnosed with gynecological cancer and undergoing brachytherapy. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of patients who met the inclusion criteria, were diagnosed with cervical or endometrial cancer, applied to the unit for brachytherapy, and were continuing with the treatment. The study was completed with 87 patients who were continuing their treatment during the second assessment and 77 patients during the third assessment. In this study, at the third month, women experienced significantly higher levels of problems such as loss of sexual desire, avoidance of sexual intercourse, pain during intercourse, changes in sexual life due to brachytherapy, inability to achieve orgasm, and lack of sexual approach from their partner (p < 0.05). In assessments conducted with gynecological cancer patients at the 3rd month after brachytherapy, the total scores of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W) were found to be significantly higher compared to the scores obtained before brachytherapy and at the 6th month after brachytherapy (p < 0.05). For gynecological cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy, the implementation of not only short-term but also long-term follow-up and supportive rehabilitation programs is critically important for assessing sexual symptoms and maintaining sexual well-being.
