Forum Discussion
Hormone therapy and sex
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?
7 Replies
This article today highlights the need for health teams and cancer counsellors to lift their active inquiry into sexual health, especially for women treated for cancer. I was struck by the disparity between women being asked about their sexual health (22 %) compared to men (over 53% when they receive treatment for prostate cancer).
Hoping this will spur on ongoing research and development for women living with the side effects of treatment.
We did have an Ask the Expert session with Dr Tonia Mezzini, who is a leading Sexual Health Physician titled: Menopause, it's more than a hot flush. When you get a chance check it out!
Vaginal atrophy is a side affect of hormone suppression that needs to be talked about more - especially as it has such an easy fix. Speak to your oncologist about vaginal estrogen replacement. It sounds counter intuitive but doesn’t impact hormone suppression. Your oncologist will be able to explain this better than me.
Its been life changing for me. ❤️
- @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. - @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. - https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/9-lets-talk-about-vaginas
The link above is to a group within this forum
Take care
Best wishes - Talk to your doctor, or a breast care nurse or a sexual counsellor. Vaginal
drynesss 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.
