Sex After Cancer: Women Need to Talk More
- New study shows that sexual problems are addressed for only one in five women, compared to half of men, after cancer treatment.
- Few people hear from their doctors about the risk for sexual side effects before they start treatment.
- Effective treatments for sexual side effects are available, but you may have to bring it up.
Sexual Side Effects are Extremely Common
In a survey of 391 cancer survivors, nearly nine in ten people said that some type of change after treatment had a negative effect on their sexual health and their quality of life. The most common changes were pain during intercourse, poor body image, and inability to have an orgasm. The majority of people who answered the survey were women.
"Female sexual function is often multi-faceted and involves complexities such as body image, mood, and anatomical and hormonal changes," Chase says.
Cindi Cantril, nurse navigator, talks sexual health after ovarian cancer.
While nine in ten may seem awfully high, lead study author James Taylor, MD, notes that this may be the result of what's called "self selection bias," when people who experience sexual side effects are more likely to respond to the survey. He adds that the survey questions were very open-ended to encourage those who responded to include any type of change at all that might affect sexual function.
Most People Don't Get Help
Fewer than half of the people who responded to the survey said they got counseling before treatment about the risk of sexual dysfunction after treatment. Once treatment was done, about half of men said that doctors addressed their complaints about sexual function. As for women, only one in five said their problems were addressed.
"The bottom line is that sexual function during and after cancer treatment is not adequately addressed," Chase says. "Both doctors and patients should be encouraged to discuss these issues."
A talk with your doctor could be the only thing standing between you and effective treatments for sexual side effects of cancer therapy.
"There are a lot of great treatment options for patients who develop sexual toxicity following treatment," Taylor, the study author, tells SurvivorNet. "But, if doctors are not asking their patients or if patients do not bring it up, they may never know about the many options that exist." Taylor is chief resident in radiation oncology at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.
Cancer Survivors Are Living Longer
Advancements in cancer treatments and early detection strategies mean more people are surviving cancer and they are living longer lives. Cancer survivors want to, and can, get back to their normal lives, and that includes a healthy sex life. Sexual health is a quality of life issue that should be addressed as a part of cancer survivorship.
Expert Advice For You
Most patients would prefer not to initiate the conversation with their doctor about their sexual function. The study found patients would prefer to share their concerns first through a questionnaire that could trigger the health provider to start the dialogue.
If your doctor does not offer a questionnaire, consider writing your concerns on the intake form before your next visit. Or, bring written notes to help you start the discussion.
Here are some points for discussion:
- Before treatment, ask your care team about the risk of sexual side effects; what those side effects may be; and what treatments are available to address them.
- During and after treatment, tell your health care provider about any changes that may be having a negative impact on your sexual function.
- Ask specifically about treatments for sexual side effects.
"Patients should feel empowered and comfortable asking their doctors any and all questions. That is what we are here for," Taylor says. "Be your own advocate and if you are in the middle of treatment or have finished ask your treating team about this important issue."
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