Sexual life and intimate relationship experience among bladder cancer patients: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis.

OBJECTIVES

The global incidence of bladder cancer continues to rise. Treatments for this disease, particularly radical cystectomy and urinary diversion, can profoundly disrupt sexual function and intimate relationships, leading to physiological, psychological, relational, and existential changes. However, qualitative evidence syntheses that integrate these experiences remain limited. This review aimed to synthesize qualitative research on bladder cancer patients' sexual life and intimate relationship experiences in order to inform the development of couple-centered interventions and continuous sexual rehabilitation services.

METHODS

This study was conducted as a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis and was reported in accordance with ENTREQ. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP were searched from database inception to January 2026 for qualitative studies on the sexual life and intimate relationship experiences of bladder cancer patients. Studies were selected according to predefined PICoS-based eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was independently appraised by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the findings were synthesized using Thomas and Harden's three-stage thematic synthesis approach.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies involving 183 participants were included in the synthesis. Fifty-four qualitative findings were aggregated into nine categories and then synthesized into three overarching findings: (1) multiple changes and challenges in sexual life after treatment; (2) changes and adjustments in intimate relationships; and (3) needs and expectations for sexual rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Bladder cancer patients face complex physiological, psychological, relational, and existential challenges in their sexual lives and intimate relationships. Healthcare professionals should address these issues through holistic, couple-centered, and culturally sensitive care that supports both sexual recovery and long-term quality of life.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view, identifier CRD420251027779.