Sex After Cancer
Posted 8/10/2009
Posted in
I have written before about this important topic and was interested to see an article by my old friend, Pat Fobair, and her colleague, David Spiegel, from Stanford.
Note the comment at the end about the usual need for lubricants. If you would like a copy of the two page summary about various products that I share with patients, please email me at: hhill@bidmc.harvard.edu
Here is the abstract:
Concerns About Sexuality After Breast Cancer
Fobair, Patricia LCSW, MPH; Spiegel, David MD
Abstract
Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, creates changes in the female body that affect sexual desire, sexual functioning, and emotional relationships. Although healthy women also experience physiological changes leading to menopause, these changes occur gradually leaving them sexually active 5 to 10 years longer and with fewer problems in sexual functioning. Studies show that breast cancer patients experience sexual problems soon after treatment, and continue in follow-up. Research also describes the normal decline in sexuality among healthy women as they age. Furthermore, relationship problems occur when couples experience sexual problems, sometimes threatening their attachment. These problems can be anticipated and addressed through the physician's communication with their patient. Other solutions include effective psychologic and emotional counseling and pharmaceutical and over the counter assistance
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