Gynecologic cancer treatment and the impact of cancer-related infertility

Objective. The objective of this study was to empirically assess the emotional and sexual impact of cancer-related infertility in women with a history of gynecologic cancer. Method. Women with a history of gynecologic cancer were approached during their gynecologic oncology clinic appointment; they were provided a description of the study and asked to participate. All participants completed a one-time self-report survey. We present data acquired via the following methods: Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), Impact of Events Scale (IES), Modified Inventory of Traumatic Grief (M-ITG), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Menopausal Symptom Checklist. Results. The study sample consisted of 20 women, ages 27 to 49 years (mean, similar to 40 years), who had undergone treatment for cervical (40%), ovarian (20%), or uterine (40%) cancer. Forty percent of the sample reported depressive symptoms as measured by the CES-D, with 35% of the women experiencing moderate to severe levels of distress as measured by the IES. The women in this sample experienced dissatisfaction with their overall sex lives (67%), pain during vaginal penetration (62%), and low levels of sexual desire (56%). Conclusions. The preliminary findings of this study indicated that feelings of depression, grief, stress, and sexual dysfunction are being experienced by women with a history of gynecologic cancer who have lost their fertility as a result of their cancer treatment. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.