Chemotherapy-induced dyspareunia: a case study of vaginal mucositis and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin injection in advanced stage ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy can cause vaginal irritation and mucositis, although rarely reported.

CASE

A 62-year-old patient with ovarian cancer reported vaginal burning associated with dyspareunia, which emerged 3-5 days after her initial chemotherapy and persisted throughout her treatment. Her discomfort persisted until she was evaluated by our sexual health service and interventions were implemented. On examination, her vaginal vault was erythematous, with mild signs of vaginal atrophy. Her management schema consisted of the following: avoidance of intercourse 3-5 days after chemotherapy, intravaginal vitamin E suppositories three times per week, intravaginal estrogen tablets (initial course of 14 days followed by twice weekly usage), use of lubricants (Astroglide) during coitus, and counseling. Once interventions were introduced, she subsequently resumed sexual intercourse during the remainder of her chemotherapy treatments.

CONCLUSION

Patients with sexual complaints during or following cancer treatment can be treated by their community gynecologists or gynecology oncologists or can be treated through a comprehensive sexual health program with restoration of sexual function.