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LIVING WITH BREAST CANCER > Sexuality
SEXUALITY
Some people experience changes in their sexuality due to the physical effects of treatment as well as the emotional impact of the breast cancer experience. From the time of your diagnosis through to after your treatment is finished, you may not feel interested in sex and your sexual activity may decrease or stop completely. It can take time for you and your sexual partner(s) to find ways of adapting to the effects of breast cancer on your sexuality.
The emotional effects of breast cancer on sexuality for some women may be related to the strong association of breasts with feminine beauty and attractiveness. Adjusting to the loss of a breast or breasts or a change of appearance to one or both breasts as a result of breast cancer surgery can be very difficult, and some women may feel less attractive as a result. Additionally, surgery and other treatments may leave you feeling violated. You may feel that you are less connected to your body or that your body has let you down. You may also worry about whether your current or future sexual partner(s) will find you desirable and attractive. These are all normal feelings, and it may take time to be able to cope emotionally with any form of sexual activity.
Treatments for breast cancer can also have physical effects on sexuality:
- For many women, the breasts are an erogenous (sexual) part of the body, and losing one or both breasts can have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction.
- Surgery and radiation therapy may cause breast sensitivity or pain.
- Chemotherapy can reduce sex drive.
- Hormone therapy may cause vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms.
- The side effects and fatigue resulting from treatment can affect moods and reduce interest in sex.
The following suggestions may help:
- Let your sexual partner(s) know about the changes you experience related to your sexuality, both physically and emotionally.
- Enjoy physical closeness through holding hands, hugging, kissing, massage or other ways that feel comfortable.
- Take things slowly and think about what forms of sexual intimacy you are interested in.
- If you are interested, explore the options for breast reconstruction with your doctor.
- If you experience vaginal dryness, use a lubricant available from a pharmacy.
- Ask your doctor for suggestions to lessen some of the side effects of treatment that are affecting your sexuality.
Sexuality can be a difficult subject for some people. Good communication can help intimate partners deal with the changes that might occur in your sex life. The process may also help partners build emotional intimacy and bring them closer together.
If you are having difficulty dealing with issues related to sexuality, it may help to speak to a counsellor, either alone or with your partner, if you have one. Your health care provider may be able to direct you to professionals who have special training in addressing the changes in sexuality and sexual functioning.
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