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Evidence summaries

Interventions for Sexual Dysfunction in Women Following Pelvic Radiotherapy

Topical oestrogens and benzydamine may be effective in the treatment of acute radiation vaginal changes. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review (abstract , review [Abstract]) included 4 studies with a total of 225 patients. The strongest evidence for benefit is of topical oestrogens and benzydamine in the treatment of acute radiation vaginal changes. The use of vaginal dilators to prevent the development of vaginal stenosis is supported by weaker evidence. The value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgical reconstruction is supported by the much weaker evidence in the form of case series.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality; inadequate or unclear allocation concealment and imprecise results; few studied patients.

    References

    • Denton AS, Maher EJ. Interventions for the physical aspects of sexual dysfunction in women following pelvic radiotherapy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(1):CD003750. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords