Sexual functioning after mastectomy surgery- A qualitative study

In many culture, breasts is a symbols of femininity, motherhood, beauty and sexual attractiveness that loss and deformity it’s may lead to adversely affect the sexual life. The objective of present study was to understanding sexual functioning after mastectomy surgery in breast cancersurvivor. Material &method: This study was a qualitative design. Semi- structured interview conducted with 11 Iranian women surviving breast cancer (mean age 44/5 years; mean age of husbands 47/8 years; median length between surgery and interview 2/8 years). Result: Analysis using the Colaizzi method revealed four major themes: (1) dyspareunia, (2) hesitation in resuming sex after mastectomy surgery, (3) decrease the frequency and quality of sex, and (4) sexual considerateness. Conclusion: This study shows the changes to sexual functioning following mastectomy surgery. In addition, understanding and cognition about sexual life among breast cancer survivor will help improve survivor s sexual wellbeing.The finding this study helps to mental healthcare professionals to design appropriate interventions to improve survivor s sexual life.

Keywords:

breast cancer , sexual functioning , mastectomy , Iran