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Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunction in Young Female Cancer Patients

  • Female Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders (L Brotto and A Bradford, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Sexual Health Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes the current literature about sexual and reproductive dysfunction in female cancer survivors and points toward future directions for research.

Recent Findings

Sexual dysfunction is a common condition seen in this population and as the incidence of survivorship grows, so will its prevalence. It is a comorbidity that has a significant effect on the quality of life. While research in this area is emerging, patients are still underserved in both recognition and treatment.

Summary

Research has conclusively shown that female sexual dysfunction after cancer is a major medical issue. Future steps should be taken to educate both medical providers and the public to improve screening and recognition, targeting early treatment with implementation of multidisciplinary care. While several single treatments have shown promise, optimal outcomes will ultimately be achieved through an approach that specifically addresses a patient’s medical, social, and psychological needs.

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Acknowledgements

Tobias S. Köhler reviewed this manuscript for Current Sexual Health Reports.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OBGYN, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, 10th Floor, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Neil Chappell & Terri Woodard

  2. Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA

    Terri Woodard

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  1. Neil Chappell
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  2. Terri Woodard
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Correspondence to Neil Chappell.

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Neil Chappell and Terri Woodard each declare no potential conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Female Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders

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Chappell, N., Woodard, T. Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunction in Young Female Cancer Patients. Curr Sex Health Rep 9, 12–19 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0098-1

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