Sexual health issues in colorectal cancer survivors : A narrative review

Introduction: Colorectal cancer and its treatments also negatively impact sexual health and Poor sexual health and a lower sexual satisfaction are risk factors for a worse quality of life. Therefore, in this study, scientific evidences and other relevant documents were reviewed to capture the sexual health issues and challenges of colorectal cancer survivors. Methods: In this narrative review, the keywords of "colorectal cancer", "sexual life","sexual health", "sexual barrier","sexual dysfunction", sexuality, survivor searched separately in databases included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Ovid, SID, and Magiran from ۲۰۱۰ to ۲۰۲۱. Criteria for inclusion consisted of peer-reviewed articles (review, cross-sectional, longitudinal, interventional, or pilot studies) addressing sexual issues in colorectal cancer patients. Of ۵۰۵ articles found, after removing duplicates, the title and abstract of retrieved articles were reviewed and ۵۶ articles were remained for final review. Results: Survivors' sexual problems include decreased libido, decreased sexual activity and poor body image, and mental health problems and depression in both sexes. and ejaculation In addition, vaginal pain and dryness in women and Erection ejaculation dysfunction in men are other complaints of these patients. In patients with ostomy, especially the lack of self-confidence and anxiety in having sex, are more severe. Conclusion: Given that sexuality is recognized as a central aspect of being human and as an integral part of the overall quality of life so knowledge of sexual health issues in colorectal cancer survivors will give health professionals opportunities to adequately support this patient group.

کلیدواژه ها:

colorectal cancer ، sexual dysfunction ، sexual health ، survivors