Sex and Intimacy After Breast Cancer
If it were just as easy as hitting the reset button after the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer there would be no need for this section of information. Not all relationships go into a diagnosis of breast cancer well cared for and nurtured, therefore you cannot expect them to come out of the cancer journey whole and complete without the proper attention.
Creating a new “normal” with your loved one takes a commitment from both partners. Physical, emotional, and spiritual changes will affect your physical relationship. Rebuilding your intimate life takes time, persistence, creativity, empathy,laughter tears and most importantly open lines of honest communication.
When your breast cancer treatment is complete , your body is different, and your hormone levels may be low due to estrogen blockade. Your libido (sex drive) may be in the toilet, or you may have vaginal dryness akin to the Saraha desert. If you have had a mastectomy or even a lumpectomy and radiation therapy and have surgical scars, you may feel concerned about a loss of attractiveness. Physical sensation in your breast area may be gone as nerves and tissue have been interrupted and removed. Sex and intimacy will not be same as it was before breast cancer. But with a commitment to each other, you can create new ways to express your mutual love.
Your partner may have different issues, as he or she moves from the role of caregiver to lover. If your loved one is hesitant, he/she may be concerned that physical intimacy will cause you pain or embarrassment. Fatigue can also play a part, particularly if your mate has been holding down a job in addition to caring for you at home. Be open with each other about your fears and feelings, and deal respectfully with each other.
Dr Susan Kellogg co-founder of The Pelvis and Sexual Health Institute of Philadelphia joined Dr Beth DuPree in the studio on The Medical View East meets West to explore the issues that women face with intimacy and sexuality after they have survived breast cancer treatment. Our goal for our patients is to thrive after breast cancer not just survive! With the help of Dr Kellogg, the road to regaining intimacy and sexuality is easier to navigate. Before you can rekindle the flame, you need to begin to care for your self.
Dr Kellogg's recommendations:
1. Prioritize- make time for your sexual self (It needs to make your top 10 list!)
2. Walk- increase the blood flow
3. Create your pleasure library
Her picks for vaginal moisturizing- Me Again, Replens and Refresh. Her picks for vaginal lubrication
Astroglide, Good Clean Love and Surgilube. Checkout The Mediterranean Diet.
Dr Kellogg can be reached at 215-863-8100 at The Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute.
