Women’s Experiences of Sexual Problems after Cervical Cancer Treatment: Lessons from Indonesian Women

Cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women. It is the second major cause of women’s deaths in Asia as well as in Indonesia. Cervical cancer treatment also raises issues of long-term physical, psychological, sexual, and social adaptation. The purpose of the study was to describe and to interpret the experiences of Indonesian women who have experienced sexual dysfunction after cervical cancer treatment. Thirteen Indonesian women who were participated in this study described their experiences on the first to two years after cervical cancer treatment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Four themes were identified (1) physical and psychological sexual complaints after cancer treatment; (2) negative effects of cancer treatment towards intimate relationship with their spouse; (3) efforts to overcome sexual problems; and (4) women’s needs for help to improve their sexual health. These study
findings offer providing new insights into the experiences of Indonesian women with sexual health problems following cervical cancer treatment. This study can provide nurses and other health care providers with better understanding of the experiences, concern and needs of the cancer survivors.