SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AFTER RADIOTHERAPY FOR CANCER OF THE UTERINE CERVIX: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: A major public health problem is the considerable number of cases of cancer of the cervix. Radiotherapy alone or in combination with other treatment modalities such tumors can cause various sexual dysfunctions. The objective of this study was to identify the major sexual dysfunction after radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Methods: This is a systematic review. The articles were searched in the Medline, Lilacs and Scielo in the period 2000 to March of 2011. We followed the criteria: descriptors contain all or part of the title, be available in full, on addressing sexual dysfunction after radiotherapy and written in English and Portuguese. Results: We found seven articles, involving cross-sectional studies, clinical trial and randomized clinical trial. They approached sexual dysfunction after treatment for cervical cancer. Studies have shown sexual dysfunction found in patients who had treatment with radiotherapy or in combination with other modalities, among which dyspareunia, lack of lubrication and reduced elasticity, as the most cited. Conclusion: This study showed the number of Radiotherapy can cause sexual dysfunction, but evidence for the actual diagnosis of sexual complaints after radiotherapy for cervical cancer is a difficult conclusion.