Pelvic floor disorders and sexual function in gynecologic cancer survivors: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and sexual function in survivors of gynecologic cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed survivors of gynecologic cancer (survivors) and women seeking gynecologic care (control patients) who were >30 years old. All survivors were disease-and treatment-free for >= 1 year. Validated questionnaires were used to evaluate pelvic floor disorders. RESULTS: One hundred eight control patient and 260 survivor questionnaires were completed. A high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders was observed in both groups; 56% of control subjects and 70% of survivors reported moderate to severe urinary incontinence (P > .05). Survivors were more likely to experience fecal incontinence (42% vs 32%; P = .02). Survivors reported less sexual desire (P = .04) and less ability to climax (P = .04), despite no difference in dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: Fecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction are significant problems in survivors of gynecologic cancer.