Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
Sparić, Radmila; *Papoutsis, Dimitrios; Kadija, Saša; Stefanović, Radomir; *Antonakou, Angeliki; Nejković, Lazar; Kesić, Vesna
Citation:
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Apr 2019; vol. 40 (no. 2); p. 128-137
Abstract:
PURPOSE To investigate the long-term psychosexual outcomes in women following excisional cervical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women with cold-knife conization (CKC) or large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) treatment were interviewed after a follow-up colposcopy visit. Their demographics, treatment and psychosexual characteristics were recorded. RESULTS One hundred and forty six women with a mean age of 35.2 ± 5.4 years underwent either LLETZ (68.5%) or CKC (31.5%) treatment within 4.7 ± 2.7 years (range: 2-15) before the interview. 27.4% of women were less interested in sexual intercourse following treatment in comparison with their interest before. Those women with less interest in sexual intercourse after treatment had higher anxiety and depression scores and were more worried about disease progression. Women with post-treatment complications were at risk of less interest in sexual intercourse and of greater anxiety and depression. Women with abnormal smears at follow-up were at risk of greater anxiety. The type of treatment and grade of dysplasia did not affect their interest in sexual intercourse or the anxiety and depression scores. CONCLUSIONS Approximately, one-third of women at more than two years posttreatment may suffer from less interest in sexual intercourse, have relatively greater anxiety and depression, and might still be concerned about the possibility of disease progression.