A Study to Assess the Effect of Dyspareunia by Ayurvedic Oil in Patients Who Have Undergone Radiation Treatment for Gynecological Cancer at A Tertiary Cancer Care Centre, Hbni, Mumbai – Phase I Study (Feasibility)

Abstract

Prathepa Jagdish, Punam Ankush Mungase, Prachi Mittal, Supriya Chopra, Manjusha Vagal, Manohar Gundeti and Govind Reddy

Introduction: Gynecological cancers, including cervical, endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers, significantly affect women’s sexual health and quality of life. Globally and in India, cervical cancer shows high incidence rates. Studies report that 55–67% of survivors experience dyspareunia and 60% face sexual dysfunction following treatments such as surgery, brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy. These treatments cause vaginal dryness, fibrosis, reduced elasticity and estrogen deficiency, leading to painful intercourse. Jatyadi oil, a polyherbal Ayurvedic preparation with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, promotes epithelial regeneration and tissue healing. Its simple, safe application makes it an effective nursing intervention to improve sexual function and quality of life.

Objectives:

1. To assess the feasibility of ayurvedic oil (Jatyadi oil) application on patients with dyspareunia who have undergone radiation treat- ment for gynecological cancers - Phase I.

2. To know the association between the demographic data, clinical data and dyspareunia (lubrication and pain).

Methodology: A single-arm pre–post feasibility study was conducted among 20 gynecological cancer survivors selected through con- venience sampling. Participants applied 3–4 ml of Jatyadi oil intravaginally and externally three times daily for 28 days. Dyspareunia was assessed at baseline and day 28 using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Compliance and adverse effects were monitored through logbooks and telephonic follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with p < 0.05 using SPSS version 25.

Results: All 20 participants completed the 28-day intervention. Feasibility of Jatyadi oil application was high, with 95% of partici- pants achieving ≥60% adherence to the prescribed regimen. Only 5% reported mild discomfort, while 95% tolerated the intervention without adverse effects, indicating good safety and acceptability. Baseline FSFI scores showed impaired sexual function (18.1 ± 4.7), particularly in lubrication and pain domains. Following the intervention, total FSFI scores improved to 30.1 ± 3.2, with marked im- provement in lubrication and pain, while desire remained stable.

Conclusion: Jatyadi oil application was found to be a safe, feasible and well-tolerated intervention for managing radiation-induced dyspareunia among gynecological cancer survivors. High adherence and minimal adverse effects indicate good acceptability and safety of the intervention.

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