Interferências do tratamento para neoplasias no desempenho sexual de mulheres

Abstract

doi: 10.5216/ree.v15i2.16649 - http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v15i2.16649

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to investigate the sexual performance of women with cancer and understand how body image affects their sexuality during the treatment. This qualitative study was performed with twelve women undergoing cancer treatment at an oncology outpatient clinic of a philanthropic hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil in May of 2011. The data were submitted to content analysis as described by Bardin. Based on the analyses of the interviews, two categories emerged: sexuality before the cancer treatment, and sexuality during the cancer treatment. A subcategory was also revealed: body image in the experience of sexuality. It is concluded that nurses play a key role in clinical practice as well as in providing guidance regarding changes in the sexual pattern and body image during and after cancer treatment, thus, contributing with a better quality of life and encouraging patients to try to enjoy a satisfactory sexual life.

Descriptors: Oncologic Nursing; Sexuality; Therapeutics; Women.