Hormone therapy and sex

Question

Hello, it’s a bit uncomfortable to talk about but I can’t really find good tips. I’m only 29 and on hormone therapy. I have zero libido which I can even live with the problem is I have extreme pain during sex, I’m extremely tight, I start bleeding, it feels horrible that I started crying multiple times. I’m now extremely terrified of being intimate which makes it even worse. Every time I date someone and it’s about to get intimate I end things because im so scared. I tried lube etc. I can’t date anymore because at some point being intimate is part of it. And I’m too young to be single forever. I don’t know what to do it’s getting worse and worse. And I’m uncomfortable talking to someone I’m just dating about this, and obvisouly no man who is t invested in you yet will want to continue dating if you say you don’t want to be intimate. Does any of you have tips?

afraser · Answer

Talk to your&nbsp;doctor, or a breast care nurse or a sexual counsellor. Vaginaldrynesss or atrophy is a side effect you should have been informed about. There are some treatments that can assist. Your libido is a different issue (although may be affected by the same medication) but no-one is going to feel excited about sex if it hurts! Best wishes.&nbsp;

arpie · Answer

@kristina_ks Also, check out the Charlotte Tottman podcasts - she has one on sexuality .... (tho worth listening to them all, when you have time xx) as I am sure the subject would be raised in more than the one session.

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/season-1-episode-8-learning-new-dance-steps-sexuality/id1595689416?i=1000620836172

(All her podcasts are here: http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html)

take care & all the best.

iserbrown · Answer

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/9-lets-talk-about-vaginasThe link above is to a group within this forumTake careBest wishes&nbsp;

tri · Answer

@kristina_ks I am sending you big hugs and a salute - whilst it might be awkward to raise, sex is such an important part of life and good on you for putting your hand up with the question.
BCNA website has a good podcast (Episode 35) this topic
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-35-the-impact-of-breast-cancer-on-sexual-health-physical-changes-lubrication-pleasure-and-libido/
I found it necessary to ask my oncologist about hormone therapy and let her know how apprehensive I was feeling. Hormone therapy is something that I want to stay on but I wanted to better understand the ongoing impact that oestrogen suppression would have on my quality of life, and my relationship.
I hear how complex it is when you’re starting out in new relationships. The support of a prospective partner is important.
It is very difficult to navigate this on your own so the suggestion to see a sexual health counsellor might be a worthwhile support. The BCNA podcast is also worth a listen.

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