Transformation of Sexual Expression in Taiwanese Women After Treatment for Gynecological Cancer.

BACKGROUND

Understanding the sexual experience of women after gynecological cancer is important for nurses caring for this population. Sexual experience should be studied within women's sociocultural context because it influences the construction of sex. However, the sexual experience of Chinese women after gynecological cancer has not been examined qualitatively.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the sexual experience of Taiwanese women after treatment for gynecological cancer.

METHODS

Data for this phenomenological study were collected during in-depth, semistructured interviews with 11 women purposively recruited from outpatients of the gynecological clinic of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Interview data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method.

RESULTS

Data analysis yielded 4 themes: (1) suffering from sexual changes and difficulties, (2) judgments and uncertainty about the appropriateness of sexual behavior, (3) maintenance and transformation of sexual expression, and (4) reinterpretation and reaffirmation of feminine value.

CONCLUSIONS

This woman-centered view of the sexual experience of Taiwanese gynecological cancer survivors can help healthcare professionals understand and educate Chinese and Asian clients about women's sexual expression during and after cancer treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This woman-centered view of the sexual experience of Taiwanese gynecological cancer survivors can help healthcare professionals understand and educate women about possible alternative ways of sexual expression during and after cancer treatment.