Clinical Review

Addressing the Sexual Health Concerns of Women with Gynecologic Cancer: Guidance for Primary Care Physicians


 

References

Conclusion

Sexuality and intimacy can be greatly affected by the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. It is important to routinely discuss sexuality and sexual functioning with patients from diagnosis onward. Reassuring patients, acknowledging the importance of their concerns, and validating their desire to enjoy improved intimacy should be considered part of the clinician’s role. Valuable information sources that may aid discussions are available on the internet. Oncolink (www.oncolink.org), a large cancer information website maintained by University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, offers a plethora of information for patients and health care professionals. In addition, the American Cancer Society offers a detailed guide, “Sexuality for the Woman with Cancer” [77]. Treatment is available, and improvement in outcomes is possible. Further prospective studies are needed to clearly delineate risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy in patients with gynecologic cancers.

Corresponding author: Elena S. Ratner, MD, PO Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520, elena.ratner@yale.edu.

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