Sexuality of Moroccan Survivors of Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Data

Abstract

Introduction: This is a prospective study aiming to describe how cervical cancer and its treatment can affect<br />the sexuality of a specific population of Moroccan women survivors of this disease. Materiels and Methods: It is a<br />comparison of clinical features and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) of 3 balanced groups of women, made up<br />of 100 survivors of cervical cancer, 100 survivors of non-gynecological cancer and a group of 100 healthy women.<br />Results: 97% of the patients stopped their full sexual activity at the time of treatment; the time interval between treatment<br />and regular sexual activity was 8 months for the cervical cancer group, and 5.8 months for non-gynecologic cancer (P<br />=0.001). Vaginal length assessed by pelvic examination during follow up visits was estimated at about 6.2 cm, 9.2 cm<br />and 9.5 cm respectively for the cervical cancer group, non-gynecologic cancer group and the control group (p=0.04).<br />On the basis of the FSFI questionnaire, the analysis of the 6 main sexuality parameter scores did attest worse results for<br />the variables related to sexual function for cervical cancer group, but not in a statistically significant way. Conclusion:<br />In order to preserve an optimal quality of life after cervical cancer, the sexual dimension is a crucial parameter to take<br />into consideration throughout treatment phases, especially radiation (by encouraging sexual intercourses, and using<br />vaginal dilators during the treatment). Moroccan survivors of this disease must be treated according to a multidisciplinary<br />approach, that includs the psychological component.