A computer-based search for literature on female sexual functioning after radical cystectomy and rectal cancer surgery revealed 11 articles. Although some prognostic variables are presented in the literature (age, the magnitude of surgery, hand-made vs stapled anastomoses, nerve content in the surgical specimen) there are very few definitive answers to the questions regarding which internal and external causal factors elicit and control sexual functioning after radical pelvic surgery. The review is concluded by some guidelines to help patients and their partners cope with sexual problems.