None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will determine the effect of pre-operative sexual counselling on sexuality and quality of life after risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in women at high risk of ovarian cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are aged 18 years or above, at high risk of ovarian cancer and have decided to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Study details Participants in this study are randomly allocated (by chance) to one of two groups. Participants in one group will receive a single pre-operative counselling session with a sexologist to discuss the potential effects of surgery on sexual function and physical changes, potential changes to intimacy, loss of sexual self-esteem related to body image changes, menopausal symptoms and confidence, changes to sexual response such as reduced arousal, loss of libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, menopausal symptoms related to treatment including hot flushes/night sweats, disturbed sleep, poor memory and weight gain, all of which may impact on one’s sexual self esteem, sexual functioning and general wellbeing (quality of life). While participants in the other group will receive routine care which is the initial consultation with your gynaecologic oncology specialist who may or may not discuss such issues with you. Participants will be followed-up for up to 12 months post-surgery to determine the effect on sexual function, the prevalence and severity of sexual difficulties after RRSO, and any other factors that significantly affect sexual function and quality of life. Serum testosterone levels will also be tested to determine whether there is a correlation with sexual function after RRSO.
Interventions
A single 1 hour pre-operative counselling session with a sexologist.
Sexual counselling primarily involves assessment and education, to support women, to discuss their sexual wellbeing and to encourage them to talk about any sexual concerns which they may be experiencing as an individual or in their relationships. A one hour long counselling session may address the following issues:
*Potential effects of surgery on sexual function and physical changes
*Potential changes to intimacy
*Loss of sexu
A single 1 hour pre-operative counselling session with a sexologist. Sexual counselling primarily involves assessment and education, to support women, to discuss their sexual wellbeing and to encourage them to talk about any sexual concerns which they may be experiencing as an individual or in their relationships. A one hour long counselling session may address the following issues: *Potential effects of surgery on sexual function and physical changes *Potential changes to intimacy *Loss of sexual self-esteem related to body image changes, menopausal symptoms and confidence *Changes to sexual response such as reduced arousal, loss of libido, difficulty reaching orgasm *Menopausal symptoms related to treatment including hot flushes/night sweats, disturbed sleep, poor memory and weight gain, all of which may impact on one’s sexual self esteem, sexual functioning and general wellbeing (quality of life) *Loss of confidence and anxiety or fear about resuming sexual activity following surgery and the impact of this on their partner *Some women experience a reduction in physical and emotional intimacy within their relationship *Communication about sex can be difficult for couples, especially if they have never broached the subject previously, and this silence can often be mistaken as a lack of interest or rejection.
Sponsors
St John of God Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Women who are at increased risk of ovarian cancer who have decided to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.
Exclusion criteria
Patients with suspected ovarian cancer Patients with a previous history of breast cancer Patients with major psychiatric illness on psychotropic medication
Outcome results
None listed