Does treatment for cervical and vulvar dysplasia impact women's sexual health?

Intermittent Catheterization Continuity Care on Bladder Function Recovery and Quality of Life in Patients After Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background

Bladder dysfunction is a common complication following radical hysterectomy, affecting patients' QOL. Exploring interventions, particularly IC continuity care, is crucial for identifying strategies to enhance postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact of continuous intermittent catheterization (IC) care on bladder function recovery and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

Methods

The primary outcome measured was the time to bladder function recovery, with secondary outcomes comprising EORTC QLQ-C30 assessments at 3 and 6 months post-surgery, as well as EORTC QLQ-CX24 evaluations. Meanwhile, urinary complications, readmissions, and outpatient follow-up were also compared.

Results

Among the 128 participants, with 64 in each group, indwelling catheterization durations were similar. However, the IC continuity care group exhibited significantly shorter IC duration and bladder recovery time. This group demonstrated superior QOL, lower occurrence rates post-IC, reduced urethral injuries, and higher readmission and outpatient follow-up rates.

Conclusion

This study underscores continuous IC care emerges as a beneficial intervention, facilitating accelerated bladder function recovery and improved QOL in patients following radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

The Impact of Diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 (CIN3) on Women's Sexual Lives

The aim of the study was to assess sexual health in women who underwent Loop Electrosurgical Excisional Procedure (LEEP) for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN 3). One hundred thirty-one women were enrolled, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered before LEEP and 6 months after the procedure. In almost all of the participants, data revealed a statistically significant worsening in sexual quality of life after LEEP. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of these possible negative effects on sexual behavior, and provide women with appropriate, wide-ranging, and detailed counseling. The data obtained in the present study should help to plan appropriate counseling from communicating HPV diagnosis and medical treatment to CIN3 surgical procedure.

Effects of human papillomavirus and LEEP on sexual function

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in humans.

AIMS

We evaluated the sexual function of human papillomavirus positive patients after colposcopy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

METHODS

This study enrolled 344 patients with an HPV infection detected on routine screening in 2020-2022. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which consists of six sections: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 344 HPV-positive patients was 37.2 ± 8.2 years, and 28.2% of them were unmarried. Colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and LEEP were performed in 251 (73.0%), 189 (54.9%), and 42 (12.2%) patients, respectively. The sexual history and FSFI scores of the patients were recorded. The total and individual parameter scores on the FSFI decreased significantly after colposcopy. Similarly, the total and individual parameter scores on the FSFI were lower at 8 weeks after LEEP compared to those before LEEP.

CONCLUSION

Cancer-related fear and anxiety and LEEP may cause sexual dysfunction in HPV-positive patients.

Aesthetic Outcome and Psychosexual Distress After Treatment for Vulvar High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

OBJECTIVES

This study compared aesthetic outcome, psychosexual distress, and treatment satisfaction between women receiving surgical treatment or medical treatment with imiquimod for vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an extended analysis of the multicenter, randomized noninferiority trial "topical imiquimod versus surgery for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia." Patients were randomized to primary topical treatment or surgery and stratified by unifocal or multifocal disease. Digital photos of vulvar appearance were subsequently assessed for aesthetic outcome by 3 investigators blinded to group allocation. Psychosexual distress and treatment satisfaction were assessed with the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire, the Sexual Activity Questionnaire, and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

One hundred ten patients aged between 19 and 82 years were enrolled. Per-protocol analysis showed complete clinical response in 80% (37/46) using imiquimod, compared with 79% (41/52) after one surgical intervention. Photodocumentation at baseline and 6-month follow-up was available for 84 of these patients (44 imiquimod, 40 surgery). Blinded reviewer assessments of lesion size and lesion severity showed improvement from baseline to follow-up, with no differences between treatment groups. Sexual pleasure, discomfort, and distress remained stable from baseline to follow-up in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Good aesthetic outcome of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion treatment can be achieved with imiquimod and surgery, consisting of ablation or local excision. Treatment satisfaction and stable psychosexual health may not be dependent on chosen treatment modality, but rather on counseling in accordance with patients' preferences.

Sexual health and quality-of-life concerns of cervical dysplasia treatments: Review

Thorough investigations have defined underlying disease mechanisms, determining effective cervical dysplasia (CD) treatments. Previous work has assessed the effects of different treatments on women’s sexual health. Recently however, several published studies have expanded the scope of findings, revealing the need for an updated examination and integration of knowledge to appropriately contextualize this clinical approach within sexual medicine and women’s healthcare. A review of relevant literature was completed. The findings indicate that treatments for CD may be correlated with sexual issues such as decreased interest and sexual functioning, and decreased QoL including psychosocial elements like anxiety. Methodological variations used to investigate different CD treatment outcomes were observed and should be streamlined to facilitate comparison in future studies. There is a need for additional research into alternative non-surgical CD treatments which could mitigate unintended outcomes, and consideration should be given to accessibility of these treatments across different regions in Canada.

A Scoping Review of Treatment Outcome Measures for Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to identify a list of clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) through a review of published studies reporting on any therapeutic interventions for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of published studies reporting on any therapeutic interventions for VIN was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database, PsychInfo, and CINAHL from inception to September 20, 2021, based on predetermined study selection criteria. Data were extracted and analyzed by 2 authors independently using Covidence software.

RESULTS

Thirty two of 2386 studies identified met study selection criteria. None of the 32 studies provided an explicit definition of VIN treatment "success." The most common CROM was "clinical response to treatment." The most common scale used to measure this outcome was "complete response/partial response/no response"; however, 17 of 23 studies (73.9%) did not define these values. Laboratory CROMs were reported in 12/32 (37.5%) studies. Patient-reported outcome measures were reported in only 10 of 32 studies(31.3%) -the most common PROM was "symptoms." Only 2 of 32 studies measured PROMs related to "quality of life" domains. Adverse events/treatment-related adverse effects were reported in 24 of 32 studies (75%), although 71% of studies provided no details on how these data were collected.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a large variation in outcome measures, instruments, and scales used for any clinician-reported treatment outcome such as "clinical response." Most studies do not include patient-reported outcome measures assessing quality of life domains. A Core Outcome Set for the treatment of VIN is needed to improve the quality of VIN research.

Topical imiquimod versus surgery for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: a multicentre, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (vHSILs) is challenging. Surgery is the standard treatment, but recurrences are observed in half of patients. Medical treatment with imiquimod is an effective alternative, but the two modalities have not been compared in a randomised trial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness, histological response, human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, acceptance, and psychosexual morbidity of primary imiquimod treatment versus surgical treatment in women with vHSIL.

METHODS

This study was a multicentre, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority clinical trial done by the Austrian Gynaecological Oncology group at six hospitals in Austria. We recruited female patients aged 18-90 years with histologically confirmed vHSIL with visible unifocal or multifocal lesions. Main exclusion criteria were clinical suspicion of invasion, a history of vulvar cancer or severe inflammatory dermatosis of the vulva, and any active treatment for vHSIL within the previous 3 months. Women with known immunodeficiency, who were pregnant, or who were lactating were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by block randomisation to imiquimod or surgery, and stratified by unifocal or multifocal disease. Treatment with imiquimod was self-administered in a slowly escalating dosage scheme up to three times per week for a period of 4-6 months. Surgery consisted of excision or ablation. Patients were assessed with vulvoscopy, vulvar biopsy, HPV tests, and patient-reported outcomes at baseline and after 6 months and 12 months. The primary endpoint was complete clinical response (CCR) at 6 months after local imiquimod treatment or one surgical intervention. Primary analysis was per protocol with a non-inferiority margin of 20%. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01861535.

FINDINGS

110 patients with vHSIL (78% with unifocal vHSIL and 22% with multifocal vHSIL) were randomly assigned between June 7, 2013, and Jan 8, 2020. Clinical response to treatment could be assessed in 107 patients (54 in the imiquimod group and 53 in the surgery group), and 98 patients (46 in the imiquimod group and 52 in the surgery group) completed the study per protocol. 37 (80%) of 46 patients using imiquimod had CCR, compared with 41 (79%) of 52 patients after one surgical intervention, showing non-inferiority of the new treatment (difference in proportion -0·016, 95% CI -0·15 to -0·18; p=0·0056). Invasive disease was found in five patients at primary or secondary surgery, but not in patients with per-protocol imiquimod treatment. There was no significant difference in HPV clearance, adverse events, and treatment satisfaction between study groups.

INTERPRETATION

Imiquimod is a safe, effective, and well accepted alternative to surgery for women with vHSIL and can be considered as first-line treatment.

FUNDING

Austrian Science Fund and Austrian Gynaecological Oncology group.

The Effect of Cervical Conization on Women's' Sexual Function and Psychological Health, A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of cervical dysplasia and subsequent conization of the uterine cervix might affect women's' sexual health.

AIM

To assess the effect of cervical conization on women's sexual function and psychological wellbeing.

METHODS

Patients undergoing conization of the cervix were assessed before, and 6 months after conization. Assessment of sexual distress and function was done using the female sexual distress scale-revised (FSDS-r) and the female sexual function inventory (FSFI), respectively. Risk for anxiety and depression, was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

FSDS-r, FSFI and HADS scores before and after conization RESULTS: From October 2018 to March 2021, 55 patients undergoing cervical conization were recruited. No significant differences were found in FSDS-r scores before and after conization. An equal number of patients indicated having sexual distress (29 patients, 53%, before and after conization, P=1.0). No significant changes were noticed on any FSDS domains or the total FSDS score before and after conization, (26.8 vs. 26.0, p=0.461). The percent of patients that indicated an overall sexual dysfunction, increased from 49 percent before conization, to 59 percent after conization, P=0.388. A high percent of patients indicated signs of anxiety on the HADS questionnaire, both before and after conization (49% and 47%, respectively). The median anxiety and depression scores did not change after conization, p=1.0.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

A high percent of patients undergoing conization suffer from sexual distress, sexual dysfunction and general anxiety, both before and after conization. The conization procedure itself did not seem to effect questionnaire scores.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This was a prospective cohort, with comprehensive assessment of female sexual and psychological wellbeing after conization. Not all subjects reported sexual intercourse prior to questionnaire completion.

CONCLUSION

Gynecologists should be aware of the psychological and sexual effect of the diagnosis and treatment of cervical pre-cancerous lesions, patients should be counselled accordingly. Michaan N, Loboda N, Ochshorn I, et al., The Effect of Cervical Conization on Women's' Sexual Function and Psychological Health, A Prospective Observational Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:257-262.

A Counseling Mobile App to Reduce the Psychosocial Impact of Human Papillomavirus Testing: Formative Research Using a User-Centered Design Approach in a Low-Middle-Income Setting in Argentina

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing detects sexually transmitted infections with oncogenic types of HPV. For many HPV-positive women, this result has negative connotations. It produces anxiety, fear of cancer or death, and disease denial. Face-to-face counseling could present many difficulties in its implementation, but a counseling mobile app could be practical and may help HPV-positive women reduce the psychosocial impact of the result, improve their knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, and increase adherence to follow-up.

Objective

This study aims to understand HPV-tested women’s perceptions about an app as a tool to receive information and support to reduce the emotional impact of HPV-positive results. We investigated their preferences regarding app design, content, and framing.

Methods

We conducted formative research based on a user-centered design approach. We carried out 29 individual online interviews with HPV-positive women aged 30 years and over and 4 focus groups (FGs) with women through a virtual platform (n=19). We shared a draft of the app's potential screens with a provisional label of the possible content, options menus, draft illustrations, and wording. This allowed us to give women understandable triggers to debate the concepts involved on each screen. The draft content and labels were developed drawing from the health belief model (HBM) and integrative behavioral model (IBM) variables and findings of mobile health literature. We used an FG guide to generate data for the information architecture (ie, how to organize contents into features). We carried out thematic analysis using constructs from the HBM and IBM to identify content preferences and turn them into app features. We used the RQDA package of R software for data processing.

Results

We found that participants required more information regarding the procedures they had received, what HPV-positive means, what the causes of HPV are, and its consequences on their sexuality. The women mentioned fear of the disease and stated they had concerns and misconceptions, such as believing that an HPV-positive result is a synonym for cancer. They accepted the app as a tool to obtain information and to reduce fears related to HPV-positive results. They would use a mobile app under doctor or health authority recommendation. The women did not agree with the draft organization of screens and contents. They believed the app should first offer information about HPV and then provide customized content according to the users’ needs. The app should provide information via videos with experts and testimonies of other HPV-positive women, and they suggested a medical appointment reminder feature. The app should also offer information through illustrations, or infographics, but not pictures or solely text.

Conclusions

Providing information that meets women’s needs and counseling could be a method to reduce fears. A mobile app seems to be an acceptable and suitable tool to help HPV-positive women.

Dyadic Adjustment and Sexual Satisfaction in HPV Diagnosed Portuguese Women: A Longitudinal Study

This study examined the relationship between dyadic adjustment and sexual satisfaction, in Portuguese women diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV), using a 1-year longitudinal design. Women were assessed at the beginning of the study (N = 209), six months after (N = 178) and twelve months later (N = 105). A better dyadic adjustment predicted more sexual satisfaction but the inverse was not observed. Younger women (< 40 years) showed greater difficulties in dyadic adjustment, while older women (> 40 years) reported lower sexual satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of intervening with couples, using different intervention programs according to women's age.

Validation of the HPV Impact Profile in Portuguese women with human papilloma virus

Objective: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the world's most common causative agent in sexually transmitted viral infections; thus requiring clinical guidance, before and after treatment, to promote better quality of life in women diagnosed with HPV. The HPV Impact Profile (HIP) is a comprehensive instrument used to assess the psychosocial impact of HPV and related interventions in a wide range of domains. The main purpose of this study was to validate the HIP in Portuguese women, so that it can be used in this population, both in research and in clinical settings. Methods: A sample of 178 Portuguese women infected with HPV were assessed with the following instruments: Index of Sexual Satisfaction, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and HPV Impact Profile. Results: The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed some changes to the original model, which resulted in an adapted version with six domains, compared to the seven domains of the original model. The final model showed a good fit to the data. All Cronbach's alphas were higher than 0.79 indicating a high level of internal consistency of the subscales. As in the original HIP questionnaire, the exception was sexual impact, with a lower, but acceptable, Cronbach's alpha. Convergent and discriminant validities of the instrument were also assessed. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the HIP presents good psychometric properties, allowing its use in clinical trials as well as in clinical practice in order to evaluate quality of life in women with HPV.

Psychosexual outcomes in women of reproductive age at more than two-years from excisional cervical treatment - a cross-sectional study

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 post-treatment 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.

Do different treatment strategies influence women's level of psychosexual distress? Observational cohort study of women with premalignant HPV-associated genital lesions

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of different treatment strategies - surgical treatment or watchful waiting- on sexual activity, psychosocial distress, and fear of progression in women with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated premalignant genital lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational cohort study of women diagnosed with HPV-associated premalignant lesions of the cervix, vagina or vulva. Patients were stratified into two groups depending on the severity of their premalignancy: surgical treatment or watchful waiting. Validated patient administered questionnaires, i.e. Fear of Progression questionnaire (FoP-Q), Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ), and Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) were completed after clinical evaluation (baseline), at 6- and 12-months follow-ups.

RESULTS

209 women treated with surgery (N = 125) were compared with women who were monitored in regular intervals (N = 82). During an observational period of 12 months there were no significant differences in fear of progression, psychosocial distress, and sexual activity (p > 0.05). The level of concerns and anxiety about the future, and fear of progression were present, mostly at baseline. While there was a small increase of tension from visit to visit in both groups, patients generally were able to cope with their clinical situation quite well.

CONCLUSIONS

Fear of progression, psychosocial distress and sexual activity in women with precancerous HPV- associated premalignant genital lesions seem to be independent from type of treatment. Both treatment strategies may be applied without major psychological sequelae, as long as adequate information is provided.

Effectiveness, structure, and content of nurse counseling in gynecologic oncology: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gynecological pre-cancer and gynecological cancers are considerable diseases in women throughout the world. The disease and treatment lead to numerous biopsychosocial issues. To improve the outcomes of affected women, several counseling interventions have been tested thus far in nursing research. These interventions target different endpoints and are composed of various structural and content components. The purpose of this research was to systematically review the effectiveness of nurse counseling on any patient outcomes tested so far in gynecologic oncology before, during and after treatment and to explore structure and content components.

METHODS

Experimental, quasi-experimental, and pre-experimental studies assessing the effectiveness of nurse counseling in women with gynecological neoplasia were searched for in PubMed®, CINAHL®, PsychINFO®, Cochrane®, and EMBASE®. Reference lists were hand-searched and relevant authors were contacted. Moreover, the evidence level and methodological quality of the included studies were assessed. Afterwards, the effect of nurse counseling on each identified patient outcome was narratively analyzed. To identify the structural and content components of the included interventions, a structured content analysis was performed. Finally, it was determined which components were associated with favorable outcomes within the included studies.

RESULTS

Seven experimental and three pre-experimental studies, reporting the effects of 11 interventions on a total of 588 participants, were eligible. No study investigated women with pre-cancer. Three studies had a high, five a moderate, and two a low methodological quality. Positive effects were found on quality of life, symptoms, and healthcare utilization. Eight structural components and four content components composed of various sub-components were identified and linked to specific effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence base is fragmented and inconsistent. More well-designed, large-scale studies including women with pre-cancer are warranted. Most convincing evidence indicates that nurse counseling can improve symptom distress. Components associated with the most trustworthy effects include nurses with an academic education; repeated and individual consultations during and after active treatment; structured, tailored, interdisciplinary orientated, and theoretically based counseling concepts; specific materials; comprehensive symptom management; and utilization of healthcare services. Healthcare providers and researchers can use the findings of this review for the systematic development of nurse counseling in gynecologic oncology.

Sexual Activity, Psychosexual Distress, and Fear of Progression in Women With Human Papillomavirus-Related Premalignant Genital Lesions

INTRODUCTION

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are very common in women 18 to 30 years old and substantially affect women's sexual health.

AIM

To examine sexual activity, psychosexual distress, and fear of progression in women diagnosed with HPV-related precancerous genital lesions.

METHODS

In this observational study, women diagnosed with premalignant lesions of the cervix, vagina, or vulva were recruited from a university hospital-based colposcopy clinic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quantitative data from three validated patient-administered questionnaires (Sexual Activity Questionnaire, German version of the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire) were compared within the study population, according to the location of the genital lesion, and with relevant reference populations. Qualitative data from two written open-ended questions about women's thoughts regarding diagnosis and information were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two-hundred nine women completed the questionnaires. Seventy-eight percent of women (n = 162) were referred for evaluation of suspect lesions of the cervix, 8% (n = 17) of the vagina, and 14% (n = 30) of the vulva. There were no significant differences in questionnaire results among the three patient groups, except for sexual consequences (Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire) and recent sexual activity (Sexual Activity Questionnaire). Women with vulvar lesions were most likely to worry about sexual consequences (ie, being unable to have children, being sexually less attractive, or infecting a sexual partner; P = .04). The Sexual Activity Questionnaire subscales sexual pleasure (P = .15) and sexual habits (P = 1.00) were similar to those in a healthy control population, whereas sexual discomfort (P = .51) was comparable to that in a reference population of women who survived cervical cancer. The subscale partner-specific concerns (Fear of Progression Questionnaire) was similar to that in a reference population of patients with cancer (P = .28).

CONCLUSION

HPV-related precancerous genital lesions, especially of the vulva, are likely to cause concerns about sexual health. Effective information and communication are important to lessen negative sexual consequences and anxiety.