Availability of therapeutic sexual aids for cancer survivors: A survey of major cancer centers.

Abstract

134 Background: Treatment-related sexual dysfunction is a distressing problem for many cancer survivors. Cancer treatment guidelines recommend therapeutic aids for sexual health rehabilitation (e.g., vaginal dilators, moisturizers, vacuum erection device). However, survivors often don't know how or where to access sexual aids or may be uncomfortable procuring them. 25 NCI-designated Cancer Centers/NCCN-member institutions were surveyed about availability of sexual aids and resources for survivors. Methods: Using phone and internet, potential sources of aids/resources at each center (e.g, custom boutiques, specialty retail shops) were identified. Relevant retail staff at each center were approached by phone and using a structured script, study staff queried about the availability of aids/resources. Separate calls were made regarding aids for men and women. Additional inquiry included access to aids elsewhere at the cancer center and recommendations for accessing resources if none were available. Results: Of the 25 cancer centers contacted, 23 responded about men and 22 responded about women. Two centers never responded to multiple attempts. Of the centers contacted, 87% reported having no sexual aids for men and 72% had no aids for women. One center carried a vacuum device and two had penile support rings. Six centers had some aids for women, most commonly reported were personal lubricants, moisturizers and dilators. One center stood out, having several types of aids for men and women. Additional recommendations were limited to suggesting a local pharmacy or doing an internet search. Conclusions: In contrast to other widely available cancer care products, e.g., wigs and prosthetics, availability of sexual aids and resources at major cancer centers is very low. The stark absence of sexual aids underscores the cultural taboos around cancer-related sexual dysfunction. Efforts to improve availability of sexual aids for survivors would likely promote sexual health rehabilitation and validate this under addressed aspect of cancer survivorship.