A number of surgical procedures have a direct physiological effect on sexual function. The main cause of sexual dysfunction from surgical resection appears to be injury to the autonomic nerves in the pelvis.
In women, radical cystectomy is often associated with pain from reduced vaginal depth due to resection of the anterior vaginal wall. Women who undergo abdominoperineal resection may also report dyspareunia related to loss of cushioning from removal of the posterior vaginal wall. Surgically induced menopause in premenopausal women, associated with oophorectomy, will also cause oestrogen depletion.53
The SCN may assess for and identify sexuality concerns in the person affected by cancer. Appropriate referral to a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or trained social worker for personal and/or couples counselling is recommended. An endocrinologist may also be consulted to assess and provide therapy if a hormonal basis for the problem appears likely.54
The sexual function of men may be impacted following surgical management of prostate cancer. Access the EdCaN prostate cancer case based learning resource for information and learning activities relevant to male sexual function and quality of life following surgery for prostate cancer.
Resource links
Psychosexual care of women affected by gynaecological cancers (PSGC)55
Learning resources for health professionals to develop the knowledge and skills to support people experiencing sexual concerns after a cancer diagnosis. Although this website focuses specifically on women suffering from gynaecological cancers, this website can be a valuable resource for helping SCNs develop skills to communicate confidently about sexuality to any person affected by cancer who are undergoing surgery.
Sexuality, intimacy, and cancer(PDF, 435KB). Cancer Council Australia, 2013
Learning activities
Access the following resource and complete the learning activities:
Psychosexual care of women affected by gynaecological cancers (PSGC)55
- Describe the potential impact of cancer surgery on an individual's sexuality.
- Appraise current assessment processes and information provision in your health care setting for the person affected by cancer who is a risk of sexual dysfunction.
Prepare a teaching session to provide information and support for a woman at risk of premature menopause.
Outline the advice you would provide to a woman who is experiencing symptoms associated with early menopause following an oopherectomy.
Access a current text and/or literature and outline the assessment for and strategies to prevent and manage sexual concerns in people following surgery for:
- Cervical cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer.