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.