Sexual dysfunction is very common in women with lung cancer. Many of them note a significantly reduced or complete lack of desire for sexual activity. New research led by Dr. Narust Florez, associate director of the Cancer Equity of Care Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, analyzed the sexual desires of women with lung tumors. When looking at the results of the Sexual Health Assessment Study in women with lung cancer, the experts noticed significant differences in sexual desire and interest, as well as the presence of vaginal pain and discomfort, when comparing the period before and after the corresponding diagnosis. . Participants in the study answered questions about their sexual activity before the lung tumor diagnosis and during the last 30 days. Of all 249 women who filled out the questionnaire, 64% had stage IV disease. 45% of them received targeted therapy, and 87% of all took some type of antitumor medication for more than six months. At the end of the study, 33% of participants were taking antidepressants and 14% were taking beta-blockers. Within the previous 30 days, 53% of women had engaged in some type of sexual activity with themselves or with another person. 77% of all participants reported little or no interest in sexual activity, and 67% noted that they rarely or never felt the need or desire for sexual activity. The most common reasons negatively affecting the participants’ satisfaction with their sex life included fatigue – at 40%, feeling sad or unhappy – at 28%, or problems with their sexual partner – at 22%, and shortness of breath – at 15% from women. When comparing sexual desire before and after the diagnosis of the lung tumor, a significant decrease in interest was noted, as well as an increase in vaginal pain and discomfort. Of the 127 participants who had been sexually active in the past 30 days, 59% reported significant problems with vaginal dryness, and 26% reported vaginal pain and discomfort during intercourse. The research aims to bring female sexuality to the fore in scientific discussions, as it is under-researched. References: https://medicalxpress.com/ http://www.dana-farber.org