Impact of Ovarian Cancer Treatment on Sexual Functioning and Post-treatment Outcomes
Ovarian cancer treatment can significantly alter a person's sex life due to a combination of physical, hormonal, and emotional changes. Common sexual side effects include decreased libido, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, changes in arousal and enjoyment, and body image concerns.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Sexual Side Effects
Addressing sexual health is an important but often overlooked aspect of ovarian cancer care. A proactive, empathetic approach can help improve quality of life and intimate relationships during and after treatment.
Open Communication
Patients are encouraged to discuss sexual health openly with their healthcare providers, although many patients report that this topic is rarely addressed unless they bring it up.
Symptom-Specific Treatments
For vaginal dryness, the recommended treatments include lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and vaginal moisturizers. Pelvic floor physical therapy can reduce pain and improve pelvic health. Hormone replacement therapy may be considered in some cases to manage menopausal symptoms.
Sexual Health Counseling
Counseling can help patients and their partners cope with changes, manage stress, improve intimacy, and accept physical changes caused by cancer and its treatment.
Educational and Anticipatory Guidance
Providing patients and their significant others with information about what to expect regarding sexual function and how to adapt to changes can facilitate adjustment and reduce distress.
Specialized Clinics
Some cancer centers have dedicated sexual health and wellbeing clinics offering comprehensive care, including treatment of pelvic issues, hormone management, and support for fertility concerns if relevant.
Factors Affecting Sexual Activity After Treatment
A 2016 study found that people with ovarian cancer were more likely to be sexually active after treatment if they were married and younger than 56 years of age. A longer time since the original diagnosis means a person is more likely to resume sexual activity.
The side effects of chemotherapy can last for months or years, while most side effects of radiation therapy disappear within a few months. Surgery that affects the reproductive system can cause permanent changes to a person's sex life.
Support for Partners
A partner of someone going through ovarian cancer and treatment can provide support by supporting open communication about sex, looking for other ways to be intimate, trying different positions that may be more comfortable, and avoiding pressuring their partner to engage in sexual activity.
Preventing and Reversing Scarring
If radiation therapy has affected a person's vagina, using a dilator to help prevent or reverse scarring is recommended. Pelvic floor exercises may help increase blood flow to the area and strengthen the pelvic muscles, making sex more comfortable.
Tips to help with painful sex include trying positions that allow for control over penetration, using lubricants, and communicating with a partner about what does and does not feel good.
Hormone Therapy Side Effects
Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer can cause side effects such as vaginal dryness, changes to the menstrual cycle, joint or muscle pain, and hot flushes. Cancer Research UK suggests hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve symptoms of menopause that disrupt a person's sex life.
The Importance of Self-Image
Removing both ovaries can negatively impact a person's body image and may affect their attitude to and desire for sex. People with a positive self-image were more likely to be sexually active after treatment and achieve higher levels of sexual satisfaction.
In conclusion, addressing sexual health is crucial in the care of individuals with ovarian cancer. A proactive, empathetic approach can significantly improve the quality of life and intimate relationships during and after treatment.
- A proactive and empathetic approach to addressing sexual health can improve the quality of life and intimate relationships for individuals undergoing ovarian cancer treatment.
- Open communication with healthcare providers about sexual health is essential, although many patients report it's rarely discussed unless initiated.
- For vaginal dryness, treatments like lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and vaginal moisturizers can be recommended, while pelvic floor physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve pelvic health.
- Counseling can help patients cope with changes, manage stress, improve intimacy, and accept physical changes caused by cancer and its treatment.
- Some cancer centers have dedicated sexual health and wellbeing clinics offering comprehensive care for pelvic issues, hormone management, and support for fertility concerns.
- In a 2016 study, ovarian cancer patients were more likely to be sexually active after treatment if they were married and younger than 56 years of age, and a longer time since the original diagnosis increased the likelihood of resuming sexual activity.
