One of the biggest problems, says Andersen, is the abruptness of the changes these women experience. Moreover, they are often convinced that their sexual problems are all in their heads. Physicians, too, may not be completely aware of the sexual difficulties their patients may experience, say Andersen, noting that they may not forewarn patients of the sexual changes likely to occur. Even if they do, she says, they may not know how to advise patients to cope with the anticipated difficulties. Andersen and other psychologists have been working to educate physicians and other health-care professionals about the need to alert patients to potential sexual dysfunction and treatment options.
Possible solutions range from artificial lubricants to hormone replacement therapy .
Other psychologists are aiming interventions directly at patients. Sex therapist Mary Ann Aposhian, PhD, for instance, will soon begin leading group therapy sessions for gynecologic patients as part of a study led by psychologist Cheryl Koopman, PhD, of the Stanford University School of Medicine. Prompted by an oncologist's request for help, the pilot study will offer participants a dozen support group sessions led by Aposhian. Focus groups and her own clinical experience have already given Aposhian a sense of what issues are most important to survivors. These include body image, feelings of betrayal and changing relationships with partners.