Mastectomy and its influence on sexual experience: analysis of scientific knowledge with the use of a computer database

Abstract

This article is a review of scientific literature on mastectomy and its influence on sexual experience. The following databases were reviewed: On-Line Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE); Caribbean and Latin-American Health Science Literature (LILACS), Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); University of São Paulo Bibliographical Database (DEDALUS). 53 papers were found, 55% of which included research findings, 32% related experiences and 13% clinical practice. The latter focused mainly on psychosocial aspects.