Many women find sex and intimacy difficult after a breast cancer diagnosis [57-59]. A serious illness of any kind in either partner can disrupt a sexual relationship, but breast cancer brings unique problems. You may feel that your body has betrayed you. And, after months of treatment, you may feel detached from the pleasure your body once gave you. Body image issues may also affect how you view sex and your own sexuality.
If you are struggling with a loss of desire or with feelings that you are unattractive, talk to your health care provider. He/she can offer treatment and support. Support groups and talking with a counselor may also help you address problems with physical intimacy. Open communication between you and your partner is also important. Partners may be unsure of the best way to show support and affection. They may wait for cues from you about when to resume a sexual relationship. Discussing each person's fears, hopes and comfort with intimacy can help you and your partner have a satisfying sexual relationship.
Chemotherapy and other breast cancer treatments can bring on early menopause, causing changes in the body that lessen sexual pleasure. These changes include vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual desire and can be especially hard for younger women [57,59,60]. Some women use postmenopausal hormones for a short period of time to relieve menopausal symptoms. However, they are not recommended for breast cancer survivors because they can raise blood estrogen levels and increase the risk of recurrence. The Alternatives to Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy section discusses options for survivors.
For more on early menopause, see the Treatment section.
Updated 03/14/09
