Sexual Embodiment and Sexual Renegotiation Post-Cancer for LGBTQ People with a Cervix

• DOI: 10.1007/s10508-025-03090-w
• Publication Date: 2025-03-12T16:42:35Z
• Authors: Sam Sperring; Jane Ussher; Rosalie Power; Alexandra Hawkey
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Heterosexuality; Sexual identity

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people face unique challenges in the context of cancer due to cis-heterocentric constructions sexuality oncological care. This paper explores impacts these for LGBTQ with a cervix, examining embodied sexual changes renegotiation during after cancer, implications people’s access relevant, tailored information support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 57 cervix 14 intimate partners, representing range types stages. Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Several participants positioned their embodiment as abject, instilling loss control uncertainty. Sexual practices misunderstood by many health-care professionals (HCPs), meaning concerns about bodily changes, sex, intimacy poorly addressed support resources medical interactions. left partners ill-equipped cope functioning, feeling unsupported, distressed, though less importance than those cis-heterosexual patients. However, some able renegotiate through engaging non-genital experimenting non-penetrative sex. was facilitated good couple communication, where needs openly discussed between partners. Assumptions heterosexuality cisgender embodiment, identity, expression have serious physical emotional well-being, agency, health decision-making. These assumptions also affect relevant culturally safe Findings reinforce need inclusion content HCP education professional training curricula, institutional LGBTQ-inclusive practice behaviors.