Sexual health of endometrial cancer survivors before and after a physical activity intervention: A retrospective cohort analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveSexual dysfunction is common in endometrial cancer survivors (ECS). Our group previously tested a six-month exercise intervention in ECS. We performed a secondary analysis to determine intervention's impact on sexual health. MethodsWe studied 100 post-treatment Stage I-IIIa sedentary ECS who participated in a non-controlled, single-arm, home-based exercise intervention utilizing telephone counseling, printed material, and pedometers. Quality-of-life and physical activity measures were collected at baseline and six months. Sexual function (SF) and sexual interest (SI) scores were extracted from the QLACS questionnaire. ResultsBaseline SF and SI were lower in survivors with less than a four-year college degree (P<0.001). Baseline SI was higher in survivors who were married or living with a significant other (P=0.012). No significant differences in SF or SI were observed based on obesity status, race, time since diagnosis, or treatment type. Post-intervention, mean SF score improved (P=0.002), 51% of participants had improved SI, and 43% had improved SF. When controlled for age and time since diagnosis, a one-hour increase in weekly physical activity was associated with a 6.5% increased likelihood of improved SI (P=0.04). Increased physical activity was not associated with improved SF. ConclusionsAlthough causation cannot be determined in this study, the correlation between receipt of an exercise intervention and improved sexual health for ECS is a novel finding. This finding suggests a role for physical activity as a strategy to improve the sexual health of ECS, which our group is examining in a larger prospective study.