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Plotogea M, Zgura A, Mehedințu C, Scurtu F, Petca A, Varlas VN, Bors RG, Edu A, Ionescu OM, Andreescu M, Mateescu RN, Isam AJ. Women's Sexual Dysfunctions Following Stem Cell Transplant and the Impact on Couple Relationship. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:35. [PMID: 38255651 PMCID: PMC10817538 DOI: 10.3390/life14010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplant proved its efficacy in increasing the survival rate among young patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies. A transplant conditioning regimen is particularly destructive on the genital system, often determining premature ovarian failure, accompanied by vulvovaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunctions. The aims of the present study were, first, to evaluate sexual dysfunctions among transplanted women, using clinical examination and the female sexual function index (FSFI), and second, to determine their impact on a couple's relationship. A prospective observational comparative study was performed and included 38 patients who underwent allogenic stem cell transplant (SCT) procedures for different hematological malignancies and 38 healthy patients (control group). This study included baseline evaluation, one-year, and three-year follow-up visits. In addition to anamnesis and medically obtained information, FSFI was evaluated to determine the impact of gynecological damage in a subjective manner. In the study group, vulvovaginal atrophy was diagnosed in 76.32%, with subsequent sexual dysfunctions in 92.10% of patients, based on FSFI scoring. Even though the results improved throughout the study, at the last visit, mild vulvovaginal atrophy was diagnosed in 81.58% of patients, and the FSFI score was abnormal for 21.05%. When compared to the control group, both sexual dysfunctions and FSFI results were considerably impaired, with statistical significance. There is a confirmed negative impact of sexual dysfunctions and self-declared FSFI on couple/marital status and couple relationships, with statistical significance, at the last visit. In conclusion, anatomical, functional, and psychological difficulties are a reality of long-term survivors after a stem cell transplant. They should be addressed and assessed equally to other medical conditions, as they may determine serious consequences and impact the sexual quality of life and the couple's relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Plotogea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zgura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudia Mehedințu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital, 011179 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Francesca Scurtu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital, 011179 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentin Nicolae Varlas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital, 011179 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Georgiana Bors
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital, 011179 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Antoine Edu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana-Maria Ionescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Andreescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Nicolae Mateescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Al Jashi Isam
- Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
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Galor A, Britten-Jones AC, Feng Y, Ferrari G, Goldblum D, Gupta PK, Merayo-Lloves J, Na KS, Naroo SA, Nichols KK, Rocha EM, Tong L, Wang MTM, Craig JP. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of lifestyle challenges on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:262-303. [PMID: 37054911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Many factors in the domains of mental, physical, and social health have been associated with various ocular surface diseases, with most of the focus centered on aspects of dry eye disease (DED). Regarding mental health factors, several cross-sectional studies have noted associations between depression and anxiety, and medications used to treat these disorders, and DED symptoms. Sleep disorders (both involving quality and quantity of sleep) have also been associated with DED symptoms. Under the domain of physical health, several factors have been linked to meibomian gland abnormalities, including obesity and face mask wear. Cross-sectional studies have also linked chronic pain conditions, specifically migraine, chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia, to DED, principally focusing on DED symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed available data and concluded that various chronic pain conditions increased the risk of DED (variably defined), with odds ratios ranging from 1.60 to 2.16. However, heterogeneity was noted, highlighting the need for additional studies examining the impact of chronic pain on DED signs and subtype (evaporative versus aqueous deficient). With respect to societal factors, tobacco use has been most closely linked to tear instability, cocaine to decreased corneal sensitivity, and alcohol to tear film disturbances and DED symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Galor
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Administration, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yun Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit, Eye Repair Lab, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - David Goldblum
- Pallas-Kliniken, Olten, Bern, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Preeya K Gupta
- Triangle Eye Consultants, Raleigh, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jesus Merayo-Lloves
- Instituto Universitario Fernandez-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, Spain
| | - Kyung-Sun Na
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shehzad A Naroo
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kelly K Nichols
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Eduardo M Rocha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Othorynolaringology and Head & Neck Surgery, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louis Tong
- Cornea and External Eye Disease Service, Singapore National Eye Center, Ocular Surface Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Eye Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael T M Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer P Craig
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Patient reported improvement in sexual health outcomes following care in a sexual health clinic for women with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:171. [PMID: 36795172 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual health concerns are common among female cancer survivors. Few data exist regarding patient-reported outcomes following interventions in this population. We aimed to determine patient-reported adherence and impact of interventions provided in an academic specialty clinic for treatment of sexual health problems. METHODS A cross-sectional quality improvement survey regarding sexual problems, adherence with recommended therapies, and improvement following intervention was administered to all women seen at the Women's Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison between November 2013 and July 2019. Descriptive and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to explore differences between groups. RESULTS Two hundred twenty women (median age at first visit = 50 years, 53.1% breast cancer) were identified; N =113 surveys were completed (response rate = 49.6%). The most common presenting complaints were pain with intercourse (87.2%), vaginal dryness (85.3%), and low libido (82.6%). Menopausal women were more likely than premenopausal women to present with vaginal dryness (93.4% vs. 69.7%, p = .001) and pain with intercourse (93.4% vs. 76.5%, p = .02). Nearly all women adhered to recommendations for vaginal moisturizers/lubricants (96.9-100%) and vibrating vaginal wands (82.4-92.3%). A majority found recommended interventions helpful regardless of menopausal status or cancer type and reported persistent improvement. Nearly all women had improvement in understanding sexual health (92%) and would recommend the WISH program to others (91%). CONCLUSION Women with cancer report integrative sexual health care to address sexual problems that are helpful and result in long-term improvement. Patients are overall highly adherent to recommended therapies, and nearly all would recommend the program to others. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Dedicated care to address sexual health in women after cancer treatment improves patient-reported sexual health outcomes across all cancer types.
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Syrjala KL, Schoemans H, Yi JC, Langer SL, Mukherjee A, Onstad L, Lee SJ. Sexual Functioning in Long-Term Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Transplant Cell Ther 2020; 27:80.e1-80.e12. [PMID: 33002641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This investigation characterized sexual activity and sexual function in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors, compared them with norms, and examined factors associated with sexual dysfunction, with the goal of identifying targets for intervention to improve sexual health. Surviving adults from a large transplantation center were asked to complete an annual survey with a core of health questions and a module on sexual activity and function. Participants completed the Sexual Function Questionnaire, Cancer and Treatment Distress form, and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Clinical data were collected from the transplantation medical database. Multivariate logistic regressions identified factors associated with sexual activity and function. Participating survivors (n = 1742) were a mean of 11.9 years (range, .4 to 43.1 years) after HCT, mean age 57.6 years, and 53% male. Women were more likely than men to report being sexually inactive in the past year (39% versus 27%) and, among those sexually active, to report low sexual function (64% versus 32%). Male and female survivors reported lower rates of sexual activity and function than comparison norms (all P < .01). In regressions, factors associated with being sexually inactive included older age, having <4 years of college education, low performance status, and not being in a committed relationship. Additional factors for men included receipt of nonmyeloablative conditioning and not being employed or in school. Low sexual functioning for men and women was associated with low performance status, and, for women, a committed relationship of lower quality, while for men the association was with older age. Sexual dysfunction is common in both men and women after HCT, regardless of time since treatment. Survivors need routine evaluation and access to multimodal interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Syrjala
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Hélène Schoemans
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean C Yi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shelby L Langer
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Ahona Mukherjee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lynn Onstad
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephanie J Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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