The impact of gynecologic cancer on female sexuality in Europe and MENA (Middle East and North Africa): a literature review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Gynecologic cancer has a negative impact on the sexuality of women who are or have been affected by this disease. In fact, gynecologic cancers cause negative changes in female sexuality, affecting body image and psychophysical well-being, with serious consequences for women’s sex lives. Objectives The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in sexuality among women who have or have had gynecologic cancer in Europe and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We also explored possible factors that may influence women’s sexuality in the 2 populations compared. Methods The literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, considering the 10-year period of 2013 to 2023. Studies were initially selected according to the criterion that the title and abstract were in English. We then reviewed all the articles selected in the first phase and analyzed the following information: author, year of publication, type of gynecologic cancer, country in which the study was conducted, design, and materials used. Finally, we defined the inclusion criteria for the present paper: women 18 years of age or older, diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, and who had undergone treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). The studies reviewed were conducted between 2013 and 2023 in Europe and MENA, and all analyzed sexual function after the disease, understood as a general dimension that includes physiological and psychological aspects. Results The results of this research show that patients in both geographical areas (Europe and MENA) report changes in sexuality as a result of the cancer. Studies show that cancer reduces, interrupts, and impairs women’s sexual activity, resulting in experiences of discomfort, anxiety, guilt, inadequacy, pain, and poorer quality of life. Conclusions The data analyzed in this review show that cancer causes changes and deterioration in sexuality in both populations studied. No cultural or social factors were found to cause differences between the variables studied in the 2 populations. In the future, it may be interesting to carry out further studies to improve the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, as sexuality is a very important part of a person’s life.