Kathy Trotter recently published an article entitled "Gynecological Issues for Cancer Survivors" in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. Co-authors include experts from Duke Cancer Center and the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at Duke Health.

Abstract

The development of sexual morbidity in survivors of female cancers is a multifactorial problem encompassing psychological, physiological, and sociological elements. Often patients are embarrassed to discuss sexual function, and it is rarely addressed in clinical practice. Cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and endocrine therapies, greatly influence sexual health. Of import, pelvic floor dysfunction plays a significant role in women’s ability to enjoy sexual intercourse and to tolerate the medical pelvic examination. Nurse practitioners and physical therapist specialists can offer a thoughtful, comprehensive assessment of the pelvic floor with a structured treatment program to significantly affect sexual satisfaction.