Dr. Woodard: Sexual Function in Female Cancer Survivors

Dr. Woodard, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at MD Anderson and Baylor discussed special issues in sexual functioning among female young adult cancer survivors. She reviewed how surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapies can have long-term and late effects such as fistulas, sensory changes or nerve damage. Dr. Woodard paid special attention to adverse psychosocial outcomes, such as mood and body image disorders, social isolation and low self-esteem and emphasized the need for screening assessments to recognize and treat survivors with sexual health disorders. While treatment options are numerous, quick fixes are rare such that Dr. Woodard encouraged providers to counsel patients that recovery is a process that can require therapy, rehabilitation and a re-setting of expectations.