Prevalence and Sociodemographic Determinants of Persistent Female Sexual Dysfunction Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue among breast cancer (BC) patients, yet its persistence over time remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of persistent female sexual dysfunction (PFSD) in BC survivors.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 187 reproductive-age married BC survivors in Mazandaran Province, Iran, who had undergone surgical intervention within the prior 48 months. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at two time points, approximately eight months apart. PFSD was defined as an FSFI score ≤23 at both assessments.

RESULTS

Of the 187 participants, 113 (60.4%) exhibited PFSD. Domain-specific persistent dysfunctions included Desire (80.7%), Arousal (68.4%), Pain (52.4%), Lubrication (47.6%), Orgasm (39.6%), and Satisfaction (29.9%). Rural residence increased the odds of persistent Desire dysfunction (OR: 2.87), later menarche heightened persistent Arousal dysfunction risk (OR: 2.26 and 2.90), employment lowered odds of persistent Lubrication (OR: 0.26) and Orgasm dysfunction (OR: 0.40), and later marriage reduced persistent Arousal dysfunction odds (OR: 0.40). No significant predictors were identified for overall PFSD, Satisfaction, or Pain after multivariate adjustment.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a high prevalence of PFSD among BC survivors, with specific sociodemographic factors influencing distinct dysfunction domains. These insights emphasize the need for tailored interventions to address long-term sexual health challenges in this population.