Your Sex After Breast Cancer Toolbox
So many women struggle with issues in their intimate lives after a breast cancer diagnosis. The vast majority of us weren't warned that our sexual health would be compromised because of breast cancer. AND when our oncology providers are asked about how to get solutions to our issues, they don't even know where to point us. ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHH!
I was diagnosed in 2012. I was still facing no answers and deep, deep frustration in 2017. So I decided to go on a quest to FIND ANSWERS for our community. The result—
WE HAVE ANSWERS!
We've recruited an amazing team of Contributing Experts who are sharing those answers with our community.
Unfortunately, it's NOT just about getting a better lube—I wish it were that easy. It’s about getting educated, learning what has happened to your body, determining if there are any medical conditions that need attention, and treating those issues. THEN, and only then, we can talk about lubes—first things first!
The most common concerns we hear from our community are that women are experiencing painful intercourse and/or lack of libido.
What is causing those issues? Every week we speak with one or more of our Contributing Experts in our Sex After Breast Cancer private Facebook support group to learn about our sexual health. Replays are available at this link once you join our community.
Some of the most common conditions that impact our women are—
- The tissue in your vagina may need help healing. Are you regularly moisturizing your lady bits both internally and externally? The “glass shards” feeling some experience is caused by microtears in the tissue. Vaginal hydration can help tremendously. (FYI "moisturizers" are healing—"lubes" reduce friction).
- Your vaginal canal may have become tight or loose. It may have lost its length. It may have lost its circumference. You may experiencing prolapse of some type that is impacting your vagina. Many of our women are having tremendous success with dilation and pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Change in hormone status could be caused by the addition of a hormone blocker, surgically induced menopause, and more. The change in hormones may have dramatically affected your vaginal tissue and your desire level. There ARE solutions!
- You might have a change in the way you view yourself sexually. Low sexual desire affects us as women and how we see ourselves. And your relationship component could be impacted. Your partner may view you differently from a sexual perspective.
- Libido can be impacted by a variety of emotional components including stress.
All these health issues need your attention in order to heal your sexual health.
Through the information shared by our experts, we've created Your Sex After Cancer Toolbox. This download includes the following documents.
- Steps to a Happy and Healthy Vagina
- Scream Cream-Cuddle Cream Guide
- Estrogen and Breast Cancer
- Healthcare Provider Worksheet
Download Your Sex After Breast Cancer Toolbox by clicking here. The information shared in the Toolbox is a good start on your education and has been created to take to your provider for discussion.
But don't stop there! Come join in the conversation and learn from our experts in our private Sex After Breast Cancer support group. We're waiting for you!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you an intermittent recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
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Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
