Improving care for women after gynecological cancer: the development of a sexuality clinic

• Published in: Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 18; no. 12; p. 1327
• Main Authors: Barbera, Lisa, Fitch, Margaret, Adams, Lauran, Doyle, Catherine, Dasgupta, Tracey, Blake, Jennifer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2011
• Subjects: Aftercare - organization & administration; Aftercare - psychology; Ambulatory Care Facilities - organization & administration; Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; Breast Neoplasms - physiopathology; Breast Neoplasms - psychology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female - physiopathology; Genital Neoplasms, Female - psychology; Genital Neoplasms, Female - therapy; Humans; Menopause; Patient Education as Topic; Quality of Life; Radiotherapy - adverse effects; Sex Counseling; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - etiology; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - psychology; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - therapy; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - etiology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - physiopathology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - therapy; Sexuality - physiology; Sexuality - psychology
• ISSN: 1530-0374
• DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31821f598c

The impact of a gynecological cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment on women is profound, both physically and psychologically, in particular with respect to sexual function and sexuality. We describe our experience creating a specialized clinic to address concerns about sexual health and rehabilitation. We used a case study approach to describe the clinic's inception and first 2 years of operation. Fifty-six survivors of gynecological cancer were seen at the clinic in the first 2 years. These patients had a significant symptom burden, many related to menopause, as well as those aftereffects of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical operation as well as psychological and emotional responses to cancer. The most common interventions were education and counseling. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with their experience at the clinic. We hope our experience may be of assistance to others considering a similar endeavor.