This qualitative study was designed to describe women's experiences with changes in sexual function related to physical comfort, sexual satisfaction, and fielings of intimacy post-treatment for gynecological cancer. The 17 women who participated in this study described sexuality as a much broader construct. Contrary to existing literature, sexual functioning was found to be one aspect that contributed to the view of the self as a sexual being, but the women's perceptions were not limited to this single dimension. The identification of multidimensional components to be considered in developing a conceptual model to describe sexual health are presented. This study indicates that sexuality should be viewed as a health issue that has an impact on quality of life.
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