A multimodal approach to sexual function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized controlled trial
In brief
Post-transplant sexual health support eased pain but did not improve overall function
In a randomized trial after stem cell transplant, repeated assessments and nurse-led consultations did not significantly improve overall sexual function. They did improve sexual pain, communication with professionals, and partnership quality, and the approach was feasible; genital chronic graft-versus-host disease was identified in about one-quarter of participants. Whether these benefits last remains unknown.
- Journal
- Bone marrow transplantation (Q1)
- Published
- 24 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Kristina Holmegaard Nørskov, Sofie Dorthea Andersen, Nicklas Lybaek, Andreas Røder, Mikael Aagaard, Gitte Ørtoft, et al.
- PMID
- 42926205
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41409-026-03075-w
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Hematology (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Post-transplant sexual health and genital GVHD care
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a frequent long-term complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a multimodal intervention targeting sexual function and early detection of genital chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in adult recipients of HSCT. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the intervention or usual care. The intervention included repeated questionnaires, genital assessments, and nurse-led consultations. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function, with secondary outcomes including sexual health, sexual distress, and feasibility measures. Overall sexual function did not differ significantly between groups for women (difference (diff) 3.3, P = 0.391) or men (diff 0.9, P = 0.761). Significant improvements favoring the intervention group were observed in women's sexual pain (diff -2.1, P = 0.019) and, for both sexes, in sexual pain (diff -13.6, P = 0.030), communication with professionals (diff -15.5, P = 0.017), and partnership quality (diff -22.8, P = 0.040). The incidence of genital cGVHD was 25.0% among male (n = 11) and 28.1% (n = 9) among females. We conclude that the multimodal intervention was feasible, led to improved sexual health, and facilitated earlier recognition of genital cGVHD, supporting the integration of interdisciplinary sexual health assessments into routine post-HSCT care.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.