Sexual Dysfunction in Moroccan Cervical Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Study of 220 Patients


Authors : C. Ezzouitina; C. Fatima Zahra; R. Laraichi; I. Lahlali; M. Farina; A. Lachgar; K. Nouni; H. El Kacemi; T. Kebdani; K. Hassouni

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yc7th476

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2vnp2nh3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug545

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Abstract :  Introduction Cervical cancer and its treatments can have a significant impact on various aspects of sexual health, including physical function, emotional well-being, and intimate relationships. Survivors often face changes in body image, sexual function, desire, and intimacy. There is a growing awareness of the importance of sexual health in the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors. This study aims to assess various aspects of sexual function, including desire, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, as well as their impact on quality of life.  Methods This prospective study included patients who had completed their treatment for gynecological cancer between 6 months and 1 year prior, from January 2022 to January 2024, at the Radiotherapy Department of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Patients completed the following questionnaires: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).  Results The study included 220 patients, with a median age of 47,2 years. After treatment, 62% of women scored below the FSFI cutoff for sexual dysfunction, Factors significantly associated with sexual dysfunction included brachytherapy, age over 50, low socioeconomic status, longer time since treatment, and perceived low partner interest. Women treated with chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy had significantly lower FSFI scores (19.4 ± 4.8) than those treated without brachytherapy (22.7 ± 3.7, p < 0.01).  Conclusion Sexual dysfunction in cervical cancer survivors is a complex issue requiring early detection and appropriate patient education to improve their quality of life.

Keywords : Cervical Cancer, Sexual Dysfunction, Survivorship.

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 Introduction Cervical cancer and its treatments can have a significant impact on various aspects of sexual health, including physical function, emotional well-being, and intimate relationships. Survivors often face changes in body image, sexual function, desire, and intimacy. There is a growing awareness of the importance of sexual health in the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors. This study aims to assess various aspects of sexual function, including desire, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, as well as their impact on quality of life.  Methods This prospective study included patients who had completed their treatment for gynecological cancer between 6 months and 1 year prior, from January 2022 to January 2024, at the Radiotherapy Department of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Patients completed the following questionnaires: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).  Results The study included 220 patients, with a median age of 47,2 years. After treatment, 62% of women scored below the FSFI cutoff for sexual dysfunction, Factors significantly associated with sexual dysfunction included brachytherapy, age over 50, low socioeconomic status, longer time since treatment, and perceived low partner interest. Women treated with chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy had significantly lower FSFI scores (19.4 ± 4.8) than those treated without brachytherapy (22.7 ± 3.7, p < 0.01).  Conclusion Sexual dysfunction in cervical cancer survivors is a complex issue requiring early detection and appropriate patient education to improve their quality of life.

Keywords : Cervical Cancer, Sexual Dysfunction, Survivorship.

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Paper Submission Last Date
30 - November - 2025

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