MEANING OF SEXUALITY IN YOUNG ADULTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY FOR TESTICULAR NEOPLASM

Abstract

Cancer is a disease that causes social and human phenomenon very important, so the testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men aged 15-35 years, one of the most curable solid neoplasms. This qualitative, phenomenological approach to describe the meaning they assign to their sexuality six young adults treated with chemotherapy for testicular cancer in the city of Puerto Montt, from March to December 2010, on their self-esteem, relationship partner and sexual life. Data analysis was performed by using the computer program Atlas Ti. It was noted that the significance the young adult gives to sexuality is understood by the self assessment and its environment, depending on the network of support that each one has, where the sexual life remains important, but not transcendent or primary. The couple is a key contributing factor to the formation of a life plan and is in that relationship that sexual life becomes relevant. Therefore, the physical effects caused by treatment, despite the inevitable implications involved, do not influence the self-image, sex life or relationship, which brings us to a careful management of these patients in a more comprehensive and inclusive way, regarding a biopsychosocial being in constant contact with the environment.