$Unique_ID{BRK00073} $Pretitle{} $Title{Cancer and Love Life} $Subject{sex impotence cancer cancers carcinoma neoplasm neoplasms chemotherapy Genitourinary System intimate intimacy sexual dysfunctions dysfunction vagina vaginal atrophy coital chemotherapies menopause erectile impotence prostatectomy pudendal penile orgasm orgasmic Intrapenile inflatable implants implant libido} $Volume{J-15, B-15} $Log{ Total Hysterectomy*0008601.scf Partial Hysterectomy*0008602.scf Cancer of the Prostate*0007601.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Cancer and Love Life ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: After being treated for cancer, I'm afraid my love life will change. Will it? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Chances are, it will. During a medical crisis such as the one you've been through, there are bound to be all sorts of adjustments to be made--both physical and emotional. However, with good communication between intimate partners, many of the sexual dysfunctions that result from cancer and its treatment can be overcome. For women, gynecologic cancer surgery can cause a reduction in the depth and width of the vagina, and common problems following chemotherapy can include vaginal atrophy and loss of vaginal lubrication. Commercial lubricants can restore the lubrication, and it is recommended that partners use coital positions that allow the woman to regulate the degree of penetration. To prevent vaginal atrophy, early resumption of sexual activity is strongly advised, particularly since it may also help to relieve a patient's anxiety which can cause sexual problems in itself. Loss of sexual drive can also occur after cancer treatment. This can have a biological basis since chemotherapy can cause menstrual abnormalities and the onset of an early menopause. However, psychological factors such as cancer-related depression or a difficult adjustment to the changes in one's body image can certainly reduce one's sexual desire as well. Therefore, the quality of your interpersonal relationship has a strong bearing on your adjustment. Nonsexual expressions of love such as touching and prolonged skin contact can frequently rekindle sexual desire and a healthy, fulfilling love life can usually be achieved. For men, erectile impotence is the major type of sexual dysfunction resulting from prostate cancer. In radical prostatectomy, severed nerves are responsible for the problem, and until recently, this was a constant complication. Now, however, there is a nerve-sparing procedure and the pudendal nerve, which carries penile sensations, lies outside the operative area. The patient remains unable to gain an erection, but orgasmic function is retained. For such patients and their partners, mutual intimate touching is recommended for a continued satisfactory love life. There are, however, other alternatives for dealing with erectile impotence. There are a number of drugs that can be taken orally which will enable a patient to gain an erection, but as a rule, they are only effective for a few months and only work for a modest number of patients. Intrapenile injections are successful for a large number of patients and can be easily administered. However, repeated use may cause penile fibrosis (scarring) which eliminates the option for a penile implant. Rigid, semirigid, and inflatable implants are popular alternatives for couples for find penile injections unacceptable. The inflatable ones are usually the preferred type since they closely reproduce a physiologic erection. Male patients, like female ones, often experience a decreased libido, and frequently for the same reasons. Self-image and psychologic reactions to cancer and its treatment play a major role in one's sexual image. Explore new and alternative ways of expressing your affection for each other if the old ones no longer work. Seek counsel with your doctor. And be assured that you can still have a fulfilling love life. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.