ABSTRACT
Objective:
to identify the occurrence of vaginal stenosis after gynecologic brachytherapy and its repercussions from the women’s perspective.
Method:
a quantitative-qualitative study, with comparative design with longitudinal section, involving 23 women; and with interpretative design involving seven women, supported by the theoretical referential of culture. Both conducted in a radiotherapy oncology service in southern Brazil. Data collection was performed in 2019, being submitted to descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results:
it was found that 23 of the participants presented vaginal stenosis at some moment of the evaluation, with grade 1 being the most incident. Of the repercussions, suffering during sexual practice and lack of understanding by the partner were identified.
Conclusion:
vaginal stenosis has repercussions beyond the woman’s physiology, involving physical and emotional aspects. Thus, this research provides subsidies for decision making by nurses, health professionals, and managers to intervene in the repercussions of vaginal stenosis after gynecological radiotherapy.
DESCRIPTORS
Brachytherapy; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Constriction, Pathologic; Pain; Nursing