Sexual Health and Women and Cancer

“It’s very important to talk with your cancer care team about what to expect, and continue to talk about what’s changing or has changed in your sexual life”.1

Umbrella
What may the Sexual Health and Women and Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer, Sex and Sexuality
  • Sexuality for the Woman With Cancer

Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy

How can having cancer and cancer treatment affect sex, sexuality and intimacy?

In Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Image]: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body [+ Images] the American Cancer Society (ACS) explain:

“Sex, sexuality, and intimacy are just as important for people with cancer as they are for people who don’t have cancer. In fact, sexuality and intimacy have been shown to help people face cancer by helping them deal with feelings of distress, and when going through treatment. But, the reality is that a person’s sex organs, sexual desire (sex drive or libido), sexual function, well-being, and body image can be affected by having cancer and cancer treatment. How a person shows sexuality can also be affected”.2

Sexual Side Effects

What sexual side effects are most common?

In Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects – What Sexual Side Effects Are Most Common? the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“The treatment you receive and your type and stage of cancer will determine whether you experience sexual side effects. The most commonly reported side effects among women include:

  • Difficulty reaching climax
  • Less energy for sexual activity
  • Loss of desire for sex
  • Pain during penetration
  • Reduced size of the vagina
  • Vaginal dryness

Not all women will experience these side effects. Your doctor can give you an idea of whether your specific treatment will cause any of these”.3

Dyspareunia

What is dyspareunia?

In Women’s Wellness: Sexual Health After Cancer [+ Video] a Mayo Clinic general internal medicine physician elaborates on:

““Dyspareunia is the medical term for the pain that a lot of women will experience after cancer treatment, especially if their hormones have been affected. The loss of estrogen, specifically, often will result in changes in the vaginal mucosa,” Dr. Thielen explains. “The cells are not able to lubricate like they should, and we lose elasticity of those vaginal walls, too. So subsequently, there can be pain””.4

Step One

What is the first step in addressing how cancer and cancer treatment can affect sex, sexuality and intimacy?

In Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body – The 1st Step: Good Communication the ACS elaborate on:

“The first step is to bring up the topic of sex with your doctor or someone on your partner and cancer care team. It’s very important to talk with your cancer care team about what to expect, and continue to talk about what’s changing or has changed in your sexual life as you go through procedures, treatments, and follow-up care. This includes letting them know what over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements you may be taking because they might interfere with treatments”.5

Questions To Ask

What are some questions to ask?

In Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body – Questions To Ask the ACS include:

Sexual Health and Women and Cancer

“You probably have certain questions and things you’re wondering about. Here are some you may want to ask your doctor or nurse these questions you can use to jump start talks with your cancer care team about having sex during and after treatment:

  • How might treatment affect my sex life?
  • Is it safe to have sex now? If not, when will it be OK to have sex?
  • Are there any types of sex I should avoid?
  • Do I need birth control or other protection during treatment? How about afterwards? For how long?
  • Can my medications or treatment be passed to my partner through my body fluids?
  • What safety measures do I need to take, and for how long? What birth control should I use? For how long?”6

Where may I find more questions to ask?

You may find more questions to ask in Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Questions Adult Females Have About Cancer and Sex.

Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) or Gender Non-Conforming

What if a person is lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or gender non-conforming?

In Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Image]: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body the ACS note:

“If you are lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or gender non-conforming, you may have needs that are not addressed here. It’s very important to talk to your cancer care team and give them information about your sexual orientation and gender identity, including what gender you were at birth, how you describe yourself now, any procedures you’ve had done, or hormone treatments you may have taken or are taking”.7

Partners

How may partners help?

In Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body – The 3rd Step: Keep Talking and Work Together To Manage Problems the ACS elaborate on:

“…during and after cancer treatment, there may be times when the kind of sex you like best is not possible. Those times can be a chance to learn new ways to give and receive sexual pleasure. You and your partner can help each other reach orgasm through touching and stroking. At times, just cuddling can be pleasurable. You could also continue to enjoy touching yourself. Do not stop sexual pleasure just because your usual routine has been changed”.8

Health Care Provider

What if a person is not asked about their sexual health concerns?

If a person is not asked about their sexual health concerns, it may be in their best interest to choose to talk to their health care providers about this.

In Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects – What Can You Do To Regain Sexual Function? the Mayo Clinic explain:

  • “Talk with your health care team. It can feel uncomfortable to talk about sexual side effects. Though talking about sex can be awkward, you’re not likely to find a solution if you don’t let someone know what you’re experiencing.Write down your questions if it makes you feel more comfortable. In addition, your doctor may be embarrassed or hesitant to talk about sex. If this is the case, ask to be referred to a specialist or seek support from other members of your health care team, such as nurses and counselors”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Sexual Health and Women and Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Links

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  1. Sexual Dysfunction After Cancer Treatment #LetsDiscuss Sexual Dysfunction After Cancer Treatment
  2. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  3. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  4. Breast Cancer—Patient Version
  5. Breastcancer.org
  6. Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects
  7. Cancer Types
  8. Caredownthere.com.au
  9. Changes In Your Sex Life
  10. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  12. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  13. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
  14. Fact Sheets and Downloads: Additional Downloadable Resources – Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
  15. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  16. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  17. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
  18. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  19. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  20. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  21. How To Get Help With Your Sexual Health
  22. How To Increase Your Sexual Desire During Menopause
  23. How do I deal with vaginal atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  24. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  25. Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
  26. Menopause
  27. Menopause
  28. Menopause
  29. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  30. Menopause and Sexuality
  31. Menopause – Multilingual Facts Sheet
  32. Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  33. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  34. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  35. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  36. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  37. Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  38. NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use
  39. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  40. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  41. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  42. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  43. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  44. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  45. New! Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  46. New! How To Build A Positive Sexual Health Team
  47. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  48. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  49. OCCAM Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  50. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  51. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  52. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  53. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  54. Safety of Natural Therapies
  55. Safety of Vaginal Estrogens: A Recap of A Systematic Review [+ Video Summary]
  56. Self-Image and Sexuality
  57. Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
  58. Sex and Intimacy
  59. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  60. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]
  61. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body
  62. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: How Hormone Therapy and Chemo Can Affect the Sex Life of Females with Cancer
  63. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: How Radiation Therapy Can Affect the Sex Life of Females with Cancer
  64. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: How Surgery Can Affect the Sex Lives of Woman With Cancer
  65. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Managing Female Sexual Problems Related to Cancer
  66. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [+ Images]: Questions Adult Females Have About Cancer and Sex
  67. Sexual Advice Association [United Kingdom]
  68. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
  69. Sexual Health
  70. Sexual Health Issues In Women With Cancer
  71. Staying Healthy During and After Cancer Treatment
  72. Supporting Women Through Menopause
  73. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  74. The Center for Intimacy After Cancer Therapy, Inc.,
  75. The Unmet Needs of Cancer Patients Regarding Sexual Health
  76. Understanding Menopause – Booklet
  77. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  78. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  79. Urogenital Problems
  80. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
  81. Vaginal Dryness
  82. Vaginal Dryness
  83. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  84. Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Finding Your Way Through the Drugstore Aisles
  85. Video Series-2018 – Moisturizers, Lubricants, and Prasterone
  86. Video Series-2019 – Physical Therapy In the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction
  87. Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
  88. Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Arousal and Orgasm Issues
  89. Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness In Survivors of Breast Cancer and In Those With A High Risk of Breast Cancer
  90. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video + Booklet]
  91. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  92. What Is Cancer?
  93. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  94. Sexual Health and Women and Cancer Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  95. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  96. Women’s Wellness: Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment [+ Video]
  97. Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
  98. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes Without Hormones [+ Video]
  99. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  100. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]

Sources

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You may find the Sources quoted:

Sources

  1. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body. Last Revised: 06 February 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html Accessed: 12 January 2021
  2. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body. Last Revised: 06 February 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html Accessed: 12 January 2021
  3. Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects – What Sexual Side Effects Are Most Common? 06 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20047214 Accessed: 12 January 2021
  4. Women’s Wellness: Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment. 11 March 2020. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/womens-wellness-sexual-health-after-cancer-treatment/ Accessed: 12 January 2021
  5. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body – The 1st Step: Good Communication. Last Revised: 06 February 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html Accessed: 12 January 2021
  6. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body – Questions To Ask. Last Revised: 06 February 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html Accessed: 12 January 2021
  7. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body. Last Revised: 06 February 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html Accessed: 12 January 2021
  8. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body – The 3rd Step: Keep Talking and Work Together To Manage Problems. Last Revised: 06 February 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html Accessed: 12 January 2021
  9. Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects – What Can You Do To Regain Sexual Function? 06 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20047214 Accessed: 12 January 2021

Topic Last Updated: 07 February 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 January 2021
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