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Posted by Renee Gaines on 11/6/2001 from 216.246.34.176:

In reply to: Sexual dysfunction after treatments posted by Sharon on 11/4/2001 from 152.163.204.48:

Dear Sharon,

Your question is probably one of the most 'unasked' questions and probably the question that most doctors are uncomfortable hearing.
Sexual dysfunction can be caused by several factors and some may even be medically/physically caused.

Did chemotherapy that cause you to enter menopause? Or were you already in menopause prior to your diagnosis?

Let me try to explain a few steps about treatment, its after effects and then how to go forward.

As you may know, often times chemotherapy can put a woman into menopause and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone production is severely altered and decreased.

For women who are not breast cancer patients, hormone replacement therapy can help to relieve the symptoms of menopause and to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Some of the sexual reactions post treatment includes:
Loss of interest in sex, uncertain about sexual attractiveness, cautious about being touched, problems with vaginal tightness and lubrication, difficulty in having an orgasm.

Treatment side effects can reduce your interest in sex.

Here are some steps to help:
Learn to accept and love your body. You need to feel good about yourself before you can begin to enjoy a healthy sex life.

Fid ways to get more rest and to reduce the level of stress in your life.

Improve your communication with your partner and others.

Plan times to make love when you and your partner are well rested.

Keep in mind that changes in sexual response would probably have occurred naturally with age even if you had not had chemotherapy.

Menopause causes some of these symptoms:
Decreased desire for sex.
Trouble becoming aroused.
Tightening and shortening of the vagina.
Decreased vaginal lubrication.
Trouble reaching orgasm.
Urine leakage.
Forgetfulness, joint pains and trouble concentrating.
Increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Okay, so you are thinking to yourself; “how can I get my groove back?’
Well, here are some ideas:

Do the things that get you aroused. Find romantic places. Wear clothing that makes you feel sexy. Go to the movies or read exciting books. Dance alone or with your partner.

Create exotic fantasies.

Explore new ways to touch.

Make sure you have sexual stimulation that you will respond to.

All these suggestions are excerpts from the WIN Against Breast Cancer Breast Buddy Volunteer Curriculum.

Keep your mind open and give yourself the time to enjoy yourself.
Hope this helps somewhat and there are many excellent books on sexuality that are available at your bookstore. We would be happy to send you a suggested reading list if you are interested, complete the personal profile form from our website at the link address listed below and write “Resource Guide” in note section.

Take care Sharon… and hope things improve with practice!!!

Renee D. Gaines
Director of Community Outreach and Public Relations
WIN Against Breast Cancer
536 S. Second Ave.,Suite K
Covina, CA 91723-3043
626-332-2255 telephone
626-332-2585 fax
www.winabc.org

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