Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vaginal dilator use on female sexual function, self-compassion level, and quality of life in women undergoing brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Method: The study was conducted using a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted with 80 female patients between June 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026. Data were collected using the Patient Identification Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), and EORTC QLQ-C30. Participants were evaluated at three different time points (week 1, week 4, and week 12).
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vaginal dilator use on female sexual function, self-compassion level, and quality of life in women undergoing brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Method: The study was conducted using a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted with 80 female patients between June 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026. Data were collected using the Patient Identification Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), and EORTC QLQ-C30. Participants were evaluated at three different time points (week 1, week 4, and week 12).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
80
Patients used the vaginal dilator for 12 weeks.
Istanbul Aydin University, Besyol Mahallesi, Inonu Caddesi No: 38 Kucukcekmece, Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Participant Information Form
The Patient Diagnostic Form used in the study was developed by the researchers in line with the literature and consists of a total of 17 questions. The form consists of three sections: (1) sociodemographic characteristics (age, marital status, education, employment status, etc.), (2) clinical characteristics related to treatment (types of treatment applied, number of brachytherapy sessions and follow-up period), and (3) gynecological and sexual health characteristics (surgical history, menopausal status, vaginal dryness, sexual activity and sexual changes after treatment). In addition, the level of knowledge about vaginal dilator use and perceived contribution were also evaluated.
Time frame: baseline
Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form
The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) is a self-report scale developed based on theoretical model of self-compassion, assessing an individual's compassionate attitude towards themselves. The scale consists of items representing self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, as well as their opposing dimensions (self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification) The short form comprises 11 items, and participants rate their level of agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale.
Time frame: first week
Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form
The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) is a self-report scale developed based on theoretical model of self-compassion, assessing an individual's compassionate attitude towards themselves. The scale consists of items representing self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, as well as their opposing dimensions (self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification). The short form comprises 11 items, and participants rate their level of agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale.
Time frame: fourth week
Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form
The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) is a self-report scale developed based on theoretical model of self-compassion, assessing an individual's compassionate attitude towards themselves. The scale consists of items representing self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, as well as their opposing dimensions (self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification) . The short form comprises 11 items, and participants rate their level of agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: twelfth week
Female Sexual Function Index
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), is a 19-item multidimensional scale that assesses female sexual function in a multidimensional way. It consists of six sub-dimensions (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). Sub-dimension scores are multiplied by specified coefficients to obtain a total score (ranging from 2 to 36); a higher score indicates better sexual function.
Time frame: first week
Female Sexual Function Index
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), is a 19-item multidimensional scale that assesses female sexual function in a multidimensional way. It consists of six sub-dimensions (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). Sub-dimension scores are multiplied by specified coefficients to obtain a total score (ranging from 2 to 36); a higher score indicates better sexual function.
Time frame: fourth week
Female Sexual Function Index
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), is a 19-item multidimensional scale that assesses female sexual function in a multidimensional way. It consists of six sub-dimensions (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). Sub-dimension scores are multiplied by specified coefficients to obtain a total score (ranging from 2 to 36); a higher score indicates better sexual function.
Time frame: twelfth week
The EORTC QLQ-C30
The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a 30-item scale that assesses quality of life in cancer patients and consists of functional, symptom, and general health/quality of life subscales. The functional and symptom scales are evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale, while the general health scale uses a 7-point scale. Scores are standardized on a scale of 0-100 according to the EORTC guidelines, with higher scores in both functional and general health indicating a better quality of life.
Time frame: first week
The EORTC QLQ-C30
The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a 30-item scale that assesses quality of life in cancer patients and consists of functional, symptom, and general health/quality of life subscales. The functional and symptom scales are evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale, while the general health scale uses a 7-point scale. Scores are standardized on a scale of 0-100 according to the EORTC guidelines, with higher scores in both functional and general health indicating a better quality of life.
Time frame: fourth week
The EORTC QLQ-C30
The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a 30-item scale that assesses quality of life in cancer patients and consists of functional, symptom, and general health/quality of life subscales. The functional and symptom scales are evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale, while the general health scale uses a 7-point scale. Scores are standardized on a scale of 0-100 according to the EORTC guidelines, with higher scores in both functional and general health indicating a better quality of life.
Time frame: twelfth week