Many women find sex and intimacy difficult after a breast cancer diagnosis [92-94]. A serious illness in either partner can disrupt a sexual relationship, but breast cancer brings unique problems. You may feel 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 or a mental health care provider (such as a social worker, psychologist or sex therapist). These providers 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.
Dealing with symptoms of early menopause
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 [92,94-95].
Some women use postmenopausal hormone therapy (also called menopausal hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy) for a short period of time to relieve menopausal symptoms. However, postmenopausal hormones are not recommended for breast cancer survivors because they can raise blood estrogen levels and increase the risk of recurrence. Survivors should choose other, non-hormonal options for the relief of menopausal symptoms.
Learn about alternatives to postmenopausal hormone therapy for the relief of menopausal symptoms.
Learn more about early menopause.
Updated 04/19/12
