Let’s Talk About Cancer and Sex

Breast and gynaecological cancer treatment can change our pelvic floor function and our experience of sex. It might just feel a bit different or become painful.

It is something that is rarely discussed during or after treatment but it is something that we can help you navigate.

Why am I feeling different down there?

Hormone treatment for breast cancer often involves reducing estrogen in the body. One of estrogen’s many roles is to help with natural lubrication of the vagina. It can also impact out vaginal microbiome and ph levels making us more susceptible to infections. The combination of the above two can lead to dryness and pain during sex.

Using a (good quality) lubricant can make a big difference in painful sex. You can also have a discussion with your oncologist about the use of vaginal estrogen. This is estrogen that is placed into the vagina and very little if any enters the blood stream. This is a decision that would be made between you and your treating physician.

In what other ways can physio help?

Pelvic floor muscle training and the use of dilators have been shown to help improve blood flow to the area and decrease sensitivity. Often if sex becomes painful, one of the body’s coping mechanisms is to increase muscle tension. This is a normal response and in some instances can be helpful, however, over time this in itself can be a cause of pain. We can teach you how to relax your pelvic floor to improve discomfort with sex.

I actually don’t even feel like sex in the first place….

Hormonal treatment, breast cancer surgery and treatment can massively impact how we feel about ourselves and our desire for sex. Whilst physios can be great at getting you moving, working on your pelvic floor etc. We aren’t the best to help discuss your libido and your feelings around how your treatment may have impacted your sex life. Sexologists are best placed to help discuss these concerns with you.

So if sex has changed for you and you want to know where to start.

Come and have a chat with us. It’s ok to want more.