How to Improve Post-Treatment Sex
- Treatment for ovarian cancer can cause vaginal dryness and tightness
- Vaginal lubricants can help with dryness and strengthen vaginal tissue
- Consider other ways to be intimate, other than intercourse
- Discuss with your sexual partner how to address discomfort if it arises
- In some cases, anesthesia may help with vaginal tightness
- Use pillows to put you into more comfortable positions
"Gynecologic surgery can cause some difficulty with respect to intimacy," says Cindi Cantril, nurse navigator at the Sutter Bay Medical Foundation in the Bay Area in California. In particular, many women experience physical changes like vaginal dryness and tightening that cause discomfort or pain during sex after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Read MoreUsing Lubricants
Combating dryness can do a lot to ease discomfort during intercourse. To address dryness, Cantril suggests using vaginal lubricants that improve moisture to keep the vagina elastic. Vaginal lubricants have been shown to actually strengthen vaginal tissue over time, creating lasting benefits for sexual health.Many lubricants are available over the counter at pharmacies, though doctors can also prescribe lubricants and other topical medications to address particular concerns.
"Make sure that when you go to look for a lubricant, it doesn't have preservatives in it," says Cantril. Your labia may be more sensitive to preservatives following ovarian cancer treatment. Instead, find a lubricant that is organic or water-based to avoid irritation. Also make sure the lubricant is compatible with any sex toys you plan to use.
Pillows and Positions
Another option is to try out different positions. "Positioning with pillows can be an important thing to do," says Cantril. Using pillows for support during intercourse can help make you and your partner more comfortable.
Reevaluating Intimacy
Of course, intimacy does not always have to mean sexual intercourse. If intercourse is uncomfortable, Cantril suggests thinking creatively. This could mean exploring other avenues with your partner, such as non-penetrative sex.
Talking to Your Sexual Partner
"Oftentimes when women are undergoing radiation therapy, we actually want them to be sexually active," says Cantril. "It's important to bring your sexual partner in if they feel comfortable, so that you can speak to somebody about what it is that you can do to mitigate some of the side effects.”
Cantril recalls one patient she worked with who said her husband was afraid to have sex with her after she underwent treatment for ovarian cancer. After Cantril queried her further, the woman shared that she thought her husband was worried that she was contagious.
"We know that cancer is not contagious," says Cantril, "but we do know that people may be afraid of hurting their partner in intercourse." She suggests bringing your sexual partner into the conversation early on, so they know what side effects to expect and how to make things more comfortable.
Using Anesthesia
In some cases, particularly with issues of tightness, administering a local anesthetic can provide relief. Applied to the right place in the vagina, an anesthetic can ease tension and allow the vagina to stretch over time to restore pleasurable intercourse. If you are experiencing feelings of tightness and discomfort, an anesthetic might be a good option to discuss with your doctor.
After surgery for ovarian cancer, returning to your regular sexual activity can be good for both your physical and psychological health. While some discomfort is common immediately following surgery, there are many steps that you can take to make sex more pleasurable, and even improve your sexual health over time.
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