Changes in vulvovaginal symptoms are a common menopausal symptom in women after breast cancer and include vaginal dryness and atrophy, pain or discomfort during intercourse (vaginal symptoms or dyspareunia), sexual desire (libido), sexual activity (frequency or habit), sexual pleasure and orgasm.
Twelve RCTs (reported in 13 studies) out of the 45 studies included in the primary systematic review were identified that reported sexual functioning outcomes during treatment for vasomotor symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer. Only one pilot study assessed sexual functioning as a primary outcome measure, while all other studies reported sexual functioning as a secondary outcome or as an adverse event or side effect of treatment.
Eight systematic reviews and one RCT were identified in the supplementary Evidence review reported the effect of treatment on sexual function. As each systematic review reported the effects of a different intervention, they are described individually by intervention type.