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What treatment options do women have who are dealing with sexual dysfunction after having breast cancer?
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DonDizonMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 06 / 29 / 2012
The best treatment is education- understanding what is happening and why. Some of the research I did at Women & Infants Hospital looked at the benefit of a formal evaluation in a clinic specializing in sexual health and intimacy. It turns out that the consultation alone was associated with improvements in sexual function and quality of life. I think the reason for this is that consultation allowed women a forum to discuss sexual health without embarassment and also was a way for them to get information on female sexual function and how treatment has impacted it. They say knowledge is power- and in this case it is certainly true.
Female sexual dysfunction is far more complicated than male sexual dysfunction, and a large part of the approach to treatment is figuring out what to treat. For women who went in to early menopause due to cancer therapy, the vaginal symptoms (dryness, chafing) can be extreme. There are both nonhormonal and estrogen related treatments. For others who have vaginal tightening or shortening due to surgery or pelvic RT, additional options include the use of vaginal dilators. There is no good evidence to support the use of testosterone in female cancer survivors, so I don't recommend it.
Ultimately, treatment requires a balanced discussion between benefits and risks, particularly with estrogen preparations, and close follow up. Running the sexuality and intimacy clinic has been one of my most amazing experiences, though. I have seen women get better and rediscover themselves as sexual beings, and that is incredible!
Female sexual dysfunction is far more complicated than male sexual dysfunction, and a large part of the approach to treatment is figuring out what to treat. For women who went in to early menopause due to cancer therapy, the vaginal symptoms (dryness, chafing) can be extreme. There are both nonhormonal and estrogen related treatments. For others who have vaginal tightening or shortening due to surgery or pelvic RT, additional options include the use of vaginal dilators. There is no good evidence to support the use of testosterone in female cancer survivors, so I don't recommend it.
Ultimately, treatment requires a balanced discussion between benefits and risks, particularly with estrogen preparations, and close follow up. Running the sexuality and intimacy clinic has been one of my most amazing experiences, though. I have seen women get better and rediscover themselves as sexual beings, and that is incredible!
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