The Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy on Sexual Health in Cervical Cancer Patients

Purpose: Curative cervical cancer treatments frequently cause long-term sequelae, and sexual health consequences are inadequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cervical cancer chemoradiotherapy on sexual function in patients in Brazil. Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study included 61 women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Brazil between January 2017 and May 2023. Electronic medical record data and responses to a validated sexual health questionnaire were analyzed to describe post-treatment sexual health, compare the outcomes across three follow-up intervals, and associate trends with clinical and sociodemographic variables. Results: The mean patient age was 44 (± 12) years, and most were diagnosed at an advanced stage; however, 75.4% (n = 46) remained disease- or progression-free after treatment. Among all patients, 14 (23.0%) had completed chemoradiotherapy within < six months, 15 (24.6%) between 7-12 months, and 32 (52.5%) between 13-60 months. Patients in the 7–12 and > 12-month groups reported higher treatment impacts on sexual activity (means 66.67 and 60.42). The < six months group reported higher sexual satisfaction; however, decreased libido was consistent across all groups, and highest among the > 12 months group. Vaginal dryness, dissatisfaction with desire and orgasm, sexual life, and emotional intimacy, and reduced sexual pleasure were reported frequently. Sexual health communication declined as post-treatment intervals lengthened. Conclusions: Cervical cancer survivors frequently experienced persistent sexual dysfunction following chemoradiotherapy. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Sexual health is a core component of proactive multidisciplinary cancer care and must include open dialogue, timely interventions, and accessible resources to reduce unmet needs.