Cancers de la femme, sexualité et approche du couple

This article, devoted specifically to gynaecological cancers and their impact on the sexual and marital lives, is a collaboration between the psychologists and onco-gynaecologist within a cancer center. In oncology, gynaecological cancers' treatments involve at the same time anatomical, physiological and functional modifications impacting, in a major way, on the sexual life of women. All the phases of the sexual answer can be touched. Beyond the physical and aesthetic consequences of the treatments, the sexual dysfunctions are generally caused by the deep psychological upheaval induced by the disease affecting a strongly invested female body. Female cancer is also a true test for the couple challenged in its emotional, functional and sexual cohesion: emotional distress, attachment link dysfunction, change of role within the couple, disordered state of communication. The couple cannot survive and find a harmonious intimate life without communication about sexual health between the medical team, the patient and her partner. All doctors and nurses must be able to initiate the subject throughout the course of care by respecting four prerequisites: to be aware of the importance to approach this subject, to create a climate of trust, to dare the questions and to respect the rhythm of the patient and her partner.