Intercourse post breast cancer can sometimes feel a bit different or in some cases painful and this is often not something that is explained very well or talked about very often. Chemotherapy and hormone therapies especially can often impact libido, mood, desire and sensation with intercourse and many people often don’t know where to go to get the right advice.
At Melbourne Lymphoedema Physiotherapy, our lymphoedema therapist is also a physiotherapist who is very experienced in treating pelvic floor concerns including pain with intercourse and we have compiled a few tips for you so that you know who can assist or what you can do to help yourself.
I’m feeling dry…
For those especially who are menopausal or have had oestrogen receptive breast cancer and are on hormone therapy which is suppressing their oestrogen production, intercourse can sometimes be uncomfortable. One of oestrogen’s roles is to be responsible for the production of your natural lubrication when you are aroused and when oestrogen supplies are reduced, it can leave you feeling dry and consequently can sometimes make intercourse uncomfortable. Using a good quality lubricant can be of extreme importance and can help to make things better.
It is important to know that not all lubricants are equal and most lubricants that can be purchased in the supermarket or the chemist are often not appropriate. If you need any recommendations you can chat to a sexologist or speak to your pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Why does it hurt?
Pain with intercourse can arise from multiple difference factors. Decreased lubrication, decreased desire and tightness in the pelvic floor muscles are only some of the various different contributors to pain. It is important to remember that pain is a protective response and the state of your muscles/tissues, the environment, feelings and beliefs can all play a massive role in the way people experience pain. Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist can assist you to find out what is going on and come up with a plan to help.
I don’t have desire for intercourse…
Hormones, feelings and beliefs regarding sex can play a huge role in the way you feel about and the way you want and experience sex. If you have noticed any symptoms or changes that are worrying you, a sexologist can help provide you with some advice to help.
I’m leaking….
On occasion, people who have been treated for breast cancer may also be experiencing pelvic floor concerns. On occasion, people will leak with penetrative intercourse during the penetration itself or with orgasm. Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist who can assess your muscles can be the first step to addressing this. Your pelvic health physio will ask you some questions to ascertain how they can help you and then perform an assessment to check your muscles. You may then be given some exercises to practice or some advice to help you avoid incontinence.
This article is written by Karina Savur who is both a Lymphoedema Therapist and a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. These two skills and extensive knowledge make her uniquely placed to help patient post cancer treatment to return to living their best life. If the article resonated with you or someone you know we encourage you to book with Karina here