The Relationship Between 
Body Mass Index and Sexual Function in Endometrial Cancer


Objectives: To explore the association between pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and post-treatment sexual function in women treated for endometrial cancer. 


Sample & Setting: 28 postmenopausal women treated with vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) took part in this multisite exploratory secondary analysis at the University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University. 


Methods & Variables: Secondary data analysis was used to determine if pretreatment BMI is associated with post-VBT sexual function in postmenopausal women treated for endometrial cancer at baseline and at six months post-treatment. Because of small sample size, participants were dichotomized according to enrollment BMI: 30 or greater (obese) and less than 30 (non-obese). The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual function, with total scores of 26.55 or less indicating sexual dysfunction.


Results: Both groups had poor sexual function at baseline. Although improved function was observed with time, neither group reached a score indicating healthy sexual function.


Implications for Nursing: Understanding factors that influence sexual health in patients with gynecologic cancer can improve post-treatment quality of life.