Sex Life After Breast Cancer Treatment - Difficulties and Recommendations

Clinical studies have shown that women with breast cancer encounter various sexual problems during and after their treatment. Breast cancer, it has been observed, can negatively affect couples’ sex lives, sometimes in an almost traumatic way. With adequate information, awareness and appropriate support, it is possible to reduce the difficulties experienced during this process.

How Does Breast Cancer Treatment Affect Sex Life?

Cancer and its treatment can physically affect sexual function. Difficulties may arise with desire, arousal and orgasm, which are necessary for a healthy sex life, as well as psychological issues and physical self-confidence. The causes of these problems chemotherapy include the side effects of cancer treatments such as tamoxifen, breast surgery and menopause, with which they can be said to be directly associated.

Various studies show that psychiatric problems are common among cancer patients. Depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders may be more common in patients with breast cancer. There is a significant relationship between depression and sexual dysfunction. In addition, antidepressant treatments used for psychiatric support may cause sexual dysfunction by negatively affecting desire, arousal and orgasm. These side effects are reported in % 20-40 of people taking antidepressants. Sexual problems are unrelated to survival time, but they may weaken adherence to treatment and quality of life may be reduced. Indeed, consistent evidence shows that numerous psychiatric medications affect one or more of the three phases of the normal sexual response: desire, arousal and orgasm.

What Can You Do to Feel Physically Better During and After Breast Cancer Treatment?

Women receiving breast cancer treatment experience difficulties related to physical changes as well as stress. Some changes, such as hair loss, may be short-lived. However, even these temporary changes can have a significant effect on how a woman feels about herself. Various options, including wigs, hats, scarves and other accessories, are available to help you cope with hair loss. On the other hand, some women choose breast cancer awareness and self-acceptance and do not cover this temporary hair loss.

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Changes such as losing part or all of one or both breasts after surgery have more lasting effects. Some women may choose to have breast implants (silicone).

Sexuality After Breast Cancer and Recommendations

It is quite natural to have concerns about sexuality after breast cancer. Physical discomfort, extreme breast tenderness or numbness may occur. Treatments such as chemotherapy can change hormone levels and therefore affect your sexual interest or response. Relationship problems arising during this process are also very important. After treatment, women’s partners may be concerned about showing affection, particularly after surgery. However, breast cancer can also be an experience that strengthens couples’ bonds. Seeking professional support on this issue is appropriate.

• Do not compare the time before your breast cancer diagnosis with the period after treatment now. Adapting to changes caused by breast cancer can take time. Be patient.
• Using vaginal moisturizers regularly relieves vaginal dryness and helps prevent pain.
• It may be helpful to explore the changes in your body on your own.
• Pelvic floor exercises increase circulation in the genital area, enhance sexual sensations and help relax these muscles.
• Creating an atmosphere you enjoy can help you relax and increase your self-confidence. Lighting, music or aromatherapy oils and a comfortable environment may help.
• Some women may not feel comfortable naked and may prefer to wear a nightdress. Sometimes wearing a padded bra may help them feel better. In brief, it is important to do things that make you feel more comfortable and secure.

Should You Seek Help and Support?

Research has examined sexual and psychological problems among patients with breast cancer, and it can be said that the need for biopsychosocial guidance on sexuality and its treatment after cancer treatment has increased.

Whatever changes you experience, remember that doctors, psychologists and other healthcare professionals are available to help you cope with them. Talking to your doctor or other members of your healthcare team about your concerns is generally a good starting point. You can join relevant communities to avoid feeling socially isolated.

Young women may be more negatively affected by issues concerning sexuality or fertility. If you have been experiencing problems since your breast cancer diagnosis, seek a counselor or a support group addressing these concerns.

Another question is whether women with breast cancer can become pregnant. If you are young, have never had children or are very eager to have a child, you should assess the situation with your oncologist after at least 2 years have passed following treatment.

In Conclusion

Breast cancer affects many aspects of sexuality, including changes in physical function and perceptions of femininity. Sexual dysfunction caused by breast cancer should be diagnosed and managed through a systematic approach involving a multidisciplinary team. Healthcare professionals should also assess the effects of medical and surgical treatment on sexuality in patients with breast cancer. Although medical treatments have made considerable advances in survival and prolonging life for women with breast cancer, more steps should be taken to improve sexual function.

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