This study aimed to explore perspectives and concerns regarding sexuality among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) possibly experiencing late effects after testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) treatment. A qualitative study was performed in which semi-structured interviews were held with thirteen AYAs from a center of expertise for TGCT in the Netherlands. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis method. Seven interacting and interconnected themes were found: desire to have children, rediscovering sexuality, insecurity about sexual performance, acceptance of physical change, loss of masculinity, burden on relationship, and openness in discussing sexuality. Concerns about the desire to have children seem to play a significant role. In conclusion, TGCT patients face multiple changes (physical, emotional, relational, and sexual), followed by a difficult period of acceptance, after which a new phase of rediscovering sexuality appeared. These findings can help to make healthcare professionals aware of the underlying mechanisms and concerns about sexuality. Furthermore, insights can help to develop sexuality-themed items for a broader monitoring tool to structurally assess the late effects to support discussing sexuality.
本研究旨在探讨睾丸生殖细胞肿瘤治疗后可能经历远期影响的青少年及年轻成人对性问题的看法与担忧。研究采用质性方法，在荷兰一家睾丸生殖细胞肿瘤诊疗中心对13名青少年及年轻成人进行了半结构化访谈。运用Braun和Clark的主题分析法对数据进行分析，最终提炼出七个相互关联、彼此影响的主题：生育意愿、性功能重塑、性表现焦虑、身体变化接纳、男性气质缺失、伴侣关系压力及性话题开放度。其中，生育意愿相关担忧尤为突出。研究表明，睾丸生殖细胞肿瘤患者需经历生理、情感、关系及性功能等多重变化，经过艰难的适应期后进入性功能重塑的新阶段。这些发现有助于提升医疗专业人员对性问题内在机制及相关担忧的认知，并为开发综合性监测工具中的性健康评估模块提供依据，从而系统评估远期影响，促进临床性话题的讨论。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家