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Psychosocial Issues

Sexual functions after high-dose chemotherapy in survivors of germ cell tumors

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 32, pages 933–939 (2003)Cite this article

Summary:

We investigated the changes in sexual function in male patients with germ cell tumor continuously disease free after one or two courses of high-dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell support. A questionnaire was mailed to 35 patients, and 30 patients sent it back. Sexuality was considered a problem by 10 patients (33%), but no patients considered sexuality a major problem. Erection was more difficult to achieve in seven patients (23%) and 10 patients (33%) experienced increased difficulty in maintaining an erection. Eight patients (27%) had the experience of less intensive and less frequent orgasm. In all, 13 patients (43%) thought that both the disease and treatment had worsened their sexual capacity, but 20 patients (67%) were satisfied with their sex life. Most of the patients (63%) considered that insufficient information and counselling had been given by their physicians about the sexual sequelae of therapy. However, the amount of information about the disease and treatment was considered good by 77 and 80% of the patients, respectively. This study shows that 27% of patients were not content with their ability to attain sexual satisfaction due to the illness or its treatment. Communication is an important issue and better information tools could lead to improved compliance in these patients.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to Dr Orazio Caffo from Department of Medical Oncology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento (Italy) for providing the questionnaire, Professor Adriana Montebelli for reviewing the manuscript and all the patients who agreed to take part in this survey. This study was supported by Istituto Oncologico Romagnolo.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology and Hematology, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy

    M Monti, G Rosti, U De Giorgi, P Giovanis & M Marangolo

  2. Psychological Unit of Istituto Oncologico Romagnolo, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy

    G Cavallari

  3. Department of Surgery, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy

    G Severini

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  1. M Monti
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  2. G Rosti
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  3. U De Giorgi
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  4. G Cavallari
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  5. G Severini
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  6. P Giovanis
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  7. M Marangolo
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Correspondence to M Monti.

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Monti, M., Rosti, G., Giorgi, U. et al. Sexual functions after high-dose chemotherapy in survivors of germ cell tumors. Bone Marrow Transplant 32, 933–939 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1704256

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