Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Cervical Cancer Survivors After Therapy: A Post COVID-19 Updated Scoping Review

Santi Susanti; Yanti Hermayanti; Ida Maryati

doi:10.38035/ijphs.v4i1.2087

Authors

Santi Susanti Master of Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
Yanti Hermayanti Department of Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
Ida Maryati Department of Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38035/ijphs.v4i1.2087

Keywords:

Cervical Cancer, Sexual Function, Quality of Life, After Therapy, Survivorship, Post-COVID-19

Abstract

Cervical cancer survivors frequently experience long-term physical and psychosocial sequelae after therapy, with sexual dysfunction and impaired quality of life (QoL) being among the most significant concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted cancer care, potentially altering survivorship outcomes. Purpose: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize recent evidence (2022–2025) on sexual function and QoL among cervical cancer survivors after therapy in the post-pandemic context. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR framework. Articles were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost: Medline Ultimate using keywords related to sexual function, QoL, cervical cancer, and post-therapy. Eligible studies were observational, published in English, and focused on survivors’ sexual function and QoL after treatment. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed thematically using a descriptive exploratory approach. Results: A total of 20 articles were analyzed in this review. Majority of studies reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction post-therapy, including decreased desire, lubrication problems, dyspareunia, and reduced satisfaction. Although some intervention studies demonstrated improvements, sexual function generally remained impaired. QoL outcomes were more heterogeneous; several studies indicated poor QoL due to treatment-related symptoms (pain, fatigue, urinary and gastrointestinal dysfunction), while others found that more than half of survivors maintained good QoL. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction remains a pervasive issue among cervical cancer survivors, while QoL outcomes vary depending on treatment modalities, psychosocial support, and coping strategies. A multidisciplinary survivorship approach including medical, psychological, and sexual health support is essential to improve post-therapy well-being in the post-COVID-19 era.

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