The Birds
& The Bees
after Breast Cancer
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While a woman and her partner are going through treatments, their relationship may no longer seem like a priority. If challenges existed in their relationship before, a cancer diagnosis may then place further strain.
Part of THRIVING, means recognizing these concerns and sharing them with your doctor. The more support you have, the stronger your relationship can be, the better equipped you are to fight your cancer, get your life back and decrease your risk of recurrence- making
YOU the most important person in your life.
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For many women - a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and/or hormonal therapy is extremely important in saving their lives. However, these treatments and their side effects can wreak havoc in their everyday lives.
One of the most common problems?
You guessed it…
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Sex.
Woman report an average of 18 months between the time they receive their cancer diagnosis, and when they try to return to sexual activity with their partners!
So…Let’s talk about it.
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Breast cancer is an emotional and traumatic experience. No one will argue that. But, there are ways to embrace yourself and make your Breast cancer journey one that makes
YOU the most important person in your life, and in the end STRONGER.
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Nauseated from chemotherapy, fatigued from radiation, uncomfortable from surgery- The List Goes On! We know it may be the last thing on your mind. But, when you're ready- becoming comfortable in your new body and reintroducing sexual activity can be overwhelming. Maybe your breasts played a big role in the bedroom? Maybe they didn’t?
Either way, couples may have fear about moving forward. What feels good or what works now, may be different from before the cancer or treatment. Maybe your routine will be a little different. Maybe you’ll have a NEW “Second base”. Talk with your partner. Remember they love you, and may just be unsure how to approach things.
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PS- “Necking” is a perfect way to get things started.
A Breast Surgeon Once Told Her Patient:
“Sure I may have treated your breast cancer and helped save your life…
But I also turned your vagina into the Sahara desert, killed your sex life and strained your marriage.."
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If Hormonal therapy (Tamoxifen, Arimidex) or Ovarian Suppression is part of your treatment plan you may encounter "menopausal symptoms," one of which is vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction.
Even if you're not sexually active right now, there are steps you can take to maintain vaginal health to be more comfortable and ready to return to sexual activity if/when the time comes .
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#1
Vaginal Moisturizers
These are to be used REGARDLESS of sexual activity. Start with applying 2-3x per week…and start yesterday.
These are to be used REGARDLESS of sexual activity. Start with applying 2-3x per week…and start yesterday.
Emerita- Organic. Can be found at WholeFoods. About $13
Replens- Works really well. Probably the most affordable. Found at any pharmacy.
Luvena- May be a bit more expensive, but is excellent particularly if you have had a history of recurrent yeast infections. It has both antibacterial and antifungal properties
#1
Vaginal Moisturizers
These are to be used REGARDLESS of sexual activity. Start with applying 2-3x per week…and start yesterday.
Emerita- Organic. Can be found at WholeFoods. About $13
Replens- Works really well. Probably the most affordable. Found at any pharmacy.
Luvena- May be a bit more expensive, but is excellent particularly if you have had a history of recurrent yeast infections. It has both antibacterial and antifungal properties
#2
Vaginal Lubricants
These are used at the time of business in the bedroom. Often couples will start revisiting the other “bases.” Any form of penetration, digital or otherwise is good for maintaining a healthy vaginal wall and pelvic floor muscles.
Coconut Oil- Its natural, reminds you of the tropics, cheap, edible. What’s not to love?
Good Clean Love- Organic. Can find in Whole Foods
Astroglide- Silicone based. Lasts a long time. Is a little sticky and hard to clean
(HINT- if you take a shower after using it, be careful not to slip because it can stick to the tub/shower)
Coconut Oil- Its natural, reminds you of the tropics, cheap, edible. What’s not to love?
Good Clean Love- Organic. Can find in Whole Foods
Astroglide- Silicone based. Lasts a long time. Is a little sticky and hard to clean
(HINT- if you take a shower after using it, be careful not to slip because it can stick to the tub/shower)
#3
Soothing Creams
NeoGyn has excellent products for comfort, all applied just outside the vaginal opening.
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Given its non hormonal, emollient and restorative tissue qualities, neogyn cream maybe helpful in breast cancer patients who experience bothersome atrophic changes as well as dyspareunia.
MORE TO COME...
