After a cancer diagnosis, your body can feel like it’s no longer your own. The treatments, surgeries, and medications all leave their mark, and these changes can profoundly affect your confidence and sense of self, especially when it comes to intimacy. It’s more than just physical; it’s the emotional work of reconnecting with a body that has been through so much. The complex sexual health issues women cancer survivors navigate are often a mix of physiological changes and psychological hurdles. This guide is designed to address both. We will cover the physical side effects and offer practical solutions, while also acknowledging the importance of communication, self-compassion, and finding your way back to feeling whole.

Cancer and Its Impact on Women’s Sexuality  By Jennifer Berman, MD Assistant Professor, Urology Director, Female Sexual Medicine Center David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA And Laura Berman, PhD Director, The Berman Center, Chicago, Illinois For women with cancer, sexual function can be affected in a variety of ways. Cancer and its treatments can disrupt the physical aspect of sexual function, relationship issues and the psychological wellbeing of the woman, including her self image and body image. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration and are potentially interactive. For example, a woman who is struggling with the psychological impact of the disease may feel less sexual because she is overwhelmed by anxiety associated with the treatment and diagnosis.  Her partner may be acutely aware of this and may pull back from sexual contact. When a partner pulls a way, a message may be sent to the patient that the partner is not interested, which could be interpreted to mean that the patient is no longer physically attractive or desirable to the partner. These thoughts can then contribute to feelings of loss, which increases the depression and psychological impact. While this is just one scenario, it points out how sexual feelings and activity may decrease as a result of many factors and can quickly become complicated once a cancer diagnosis is made. The physical affects of cancer can be quite devastating and varied depending on the type of cancer. Pelvic surgeries can have significant effects. Most people do not realize that the nerve pathways associated with sexual function are not understood in women. In men who are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer there is now a nerve-sparing surgery that can be done to prevent the loss of sexual function. The important nerves for erection and sensation are understood. For women, these nerve pathways are not mapped nor understood and thus there is no nerve-sparing surgery available for women, despite the fact that women frequently have pelvic surgeries, hysterectomies, oopherectomies (removal of ovaries), bladder suspensions, colon resections, etc. The impact of these surgeries can be substantial and can influence a woman’s ability to reach orgasm, contribute to pain and loss of elasticity, and decrease lubrication and sensation. In addition, intercourse may become awkward due to pain or the presence of an ostomy (a surgically created excretory opening). Chemotherapy also takes it toll on sexual function. Some types of chemotherapies damage ovaries, which has an impact on hormone levels, fertility, and menopausal symptomology. Chemotherapy can push a woman into an abrupt menopause, creating problems with hot flashes, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and difficulties with lubrication. Chemotherapy can irritate the mucous membranes that line the vagina, making the tissues more sensitive and more likely to tear, and causing more pain. These vaginal changes can increase susceptibility to yeast infections and increase the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Chemotherapy can also decrease sexual desire and a woman’s ability to respond to sexual stimuli. Pelvic radiation is a treatment for some cancers and it, too, has implications for sexual function. It can create changes in the vaginal tissues such as vaginal scarring, irritation and pain. The vaginal walls may thicken, reducing the elasticity of the vagina, which is necessary for comfortable vaginal intercourse. The majority of studies performed on female cancer survivors have focused on breast cancer patients because of the large survivor population. It has been found that 90% of patients resume sexual activity following their treatment; however, sexual dysfunction is present for many. The types of sexual dysfunction that they report include: hypoactive (low) sexual desire (64%); arousal disorder (42%); orgasmic disorder (44%); pain disorder (38%); and vaginismus or clenching of the outer third of the vaginal muscles (30%). It is not surprising that low sexual desire is one of the most common problems suffered by cancer survivors. In fact, in women without a cancer diagnosis, about 43% report low sexual desire. However, after a cancer diagnosis there are other issues that can interfere. Initially, there may be a focus on survival as the foremost concern. Many patients tend to worry or experience negative emotions or even depression. Hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors associated with the treatment. Relationships that were already conflicted can become more so under the stress of cancer and its treatments. Even good relationships can suffer from the stress placed on them by this disease. Many of the difficulties that women experience after a cancer diagnosis can also be interactive. For example, changes in hormones can affect mood, desire, orgasm and pain.  Changes in sexual function and concerns about these changes need to be addressed. Unfortunately, most women do not turn to their therapists and doctors for assistance. Most women (62%) talk to their partner, and while that’s an important place to begin, they also need to begin to discuss these issues with professionals who may be able to help them. The UCLA Female Sexual Medicine Clinic has designed an approach that includes both medical and psychosocial evaluation. They recognize that women who are aging and going through menopause are already at higher risk for sexual dysfunction. When cancer, or any other medical illness, enters the picture, additional problems can be created. Different kinds of medications can increase sexual dysfunction beyond those created by chemotherapy. For example, anticancer medications such as Tamoxifen, or anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihypertensive agents, anti-ulcer drugs, birth control pills, neuroleptics and sedatives can affect arousal, desire, and orgasm. It is important to review these medications. Sometimes modifications can be made to different medications, but if not, at least patients can understand how these drugs may affect them and look for other interventions to lessen their impact. For example, some medications can affect blood flow to the genitals and it is important to evaluate this. If inadequate blood flow is present, it’s more difficult to experience arousal and sensation and thus to reach orgasm. The medical evaluation looks at these factors, assesses hormone levels, and reviews other markers in the blood that may be indicative of other problems. There is increasing evidence that testosterone plays an important role in women’s sexual function, which may be disrupted by changes in ovarian function. Once an adequate assessment has been performed, interventions and strategies can be employed. Women who are experiencing changes in their sexual function might think about some of the following options:

  • Use sexual fantasy. As time goes on, and especially in relationships in which there is not as much novel stimulation, sexual fantasy is very powerful and useful in helping women to obtain orgasm. 
  • Hand held vibrators are excellent tools to assist in providing the kind of stimulation necessary for orgasm. A favorite recommendation by many couples is the “pocket rocket.” 
  • Change sexual positions. Positions that increase stimulation to the clitoris can be helpful in obtaining orgasm. Sexual positioning can also be important for comfort and reduction of pain. 
  • Practice both vaginal tightening and relaxing exercises to strengthen and offer control. 
  • Utilize dilation techniques either alone or with a physical therapist who is trained in managing difficulties associated with the vagina and pelvic floor. These techniques can reduce pain and increase the likelihood of comfortable and pleasurable sexual contact.
  • Instruct your partner how to use the “teasing touch.” Most women like the lighter touch and this can be arousing and stimulating. 
  • Use a lot lubrication. There are many water-based lubricants available in pharmacies and grocery stores that can reduce pain and substitute for natural lubrication. Lubrication can make all the difference – don’t hesitate to be generous. 
  • If genital pain is present, consult your physician. 
  • Plan sexual activity at times when pain is lowest, for example, when pain medication is at its peak or at times of the day when fatigue and pain are less.
  • Focus on feelings of pleasure or excitement. It is important to allow time for arousal. 
  • Communicate with your partner about pain. It may be important for you to be in control over movement to minimize pain. 
  • Don’t forget about VENIS! What is VENIS? Very Erotic Non-Insertive Sex. There are many different ways that partners can bring pleasure to each other. Many of these activities have been labeled foreplay, but in fact they are pleasurable sexual activities that can lead to satisfying sexual experiences that don’t include vaginal intercourse. 
  • Communication about sex is always important, but especially when there have been life-altering changes. 
  • Be aware that there are new pharmacological options to enhance sexual function. For example, there are many medications that can increase the blood flow to the genital area. The use of Viagra in women is being studied and there are several newer generation drugs that are currently in development. These tend to work best in women who have normal hormone levels. There are others, including phentolamine (an alpha blocker and blood enhancer) and prostaglandin (a smooth muscle relaxer) that can be applied topically. 
  • Hormonal agents can also be helpful, such as estrogen and testosterone. Even though hormonal interventions can be tricky for women who have hormone sensitive tumors, there are some options that can be considered for these women. For example, there are some vaginal estrogens that are not absorbed into the blood stream, including the products Estring and Vagifem. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and is not a good option for women with breast cancer, but may be appropriate for women with other types of cancers. Additionally, there are new selective estrogen receptor modulators that are under development, which may have anti-estrogen effects in the breast, but positive effects in other parts of the body. 
  • There is also a mechanical device, called the Eros Clitoral Therapy Device, that increases blood flow to the clitoral area. It enhances sexual function by pulling blood into the clitoral area, while also functioning as a vibrator. 
  • The more sexual activity you engage in, the greater the likelihood that your sexual function will be preserved. Like many things, the old adage, “use it or lose it” applies to sexual function as well. 
  • Remember that acknowledgment, empathy, and expression of feeling is always important. Group therapy experiences with other women can provide a substantial amount of support. Involvement of your partner in therapeutic approaches, communications, and flexibility of sexual expression can all be helpful in understanding problems and finding solutions. 

Why Cancer Treatment Impacts Sexual Health

When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, your primary focus is on getting well. But it’s also important to understand how the path to recovery might affect other parts of your life, including your sexual health. It’s often not the cancer itself but the treatments—like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy—that cause changes. These treatments are powerful and effective, but they can also lead to side effects like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and a lower libido. Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare and seek support, so you can feel more in control of your body and your well-being throughout the process.

Understanding the Cause: Treatment vs. Cancer

It’s a common misconception that cancer itself is the sole cause of sexual health issues. More often, the treatments designed to save your life are the culprits. According to the National Cancer Institute, treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation can directly cause sexual problems in women. These can manifest as physical conditions such as vaginal dryness, a narrowing of the vaginal canal (stenosis), or thinning of the vaginal walls (atrophy). Each of these can make intimacy uncomfortable or even painful, but they are manageable side effects, not a permanent state you have to accept.

Factors That Play a Role in Sexual Side Effects

Your experience with sexual side effects won’t be the same as someone else’s, even if you have a similar diagnosis. Several factors influence how much your sexual health is affected. The type of cancer you have and the specific treatments you receive play a huge role. The dose and duration of your treatment, your age, and your overall health before your diagnosis are also key components. The amount of time that has passed since your treatment ended can also make a difference, as some side effects are temporary while others may linger. Understanding these variables can help you and your doctor anticipate potential challenges and create a proactive plan.

Delayed Onset: When Symptoms Can Appear

The good news is that many sexual side effects are temporary. Your body is incredibly resilient, and once treatment ends, it begins the process of healing and recalibrating. The American Cancer Society notes that many issues improve over time. However, some changes, particularly those related to surgery or radiation in the pelvic area, can be long-lasting. It’s also possible for side effects to appear months or even years after you’ve finished treatment. This delayed onset can be confusing, but it’s a known possibility. The key is to stay in tune with your body and continue the conversation with your healthcare team long after your final treatment session.

Understanding the Physical Changes After Treatment

Cancer treatment can bring about significant physical changes that directly impact your sexual comfort and function. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they can alter how you experience intimacy and connect with your body. From changes in vaginal health caused by chemotherapy and radiation to the abrupt onset of menopause, these shifts can be jarring. The physical aftermath of surgery, especially for breast or pelvic cancers, can also affect your body image and physical sensations. Understanding exactly what’s happening to your body is the first step toward finding effective solutions and reclaiming your sense of self.

Changes in Vaginal Health

Your vaginal health is often one of the first areas affected by cancer treatment. The tissues are delicate and can be sensitive to the powerful therapies used to fight cancer. Chemotherapy can irritate the mucous membranes lining the vagina, while radiation to the pelvis can cause scarring and reduce elasticity. These changes can lead to a range of issues, from minor discomfort to significant pain during sex. It’s a topic that can feel difficult to discuss, but it’s a very common experience for female cancer survivors, and there are many ways to manage these symptoms effectively.

Vaginal Atrophy and Stenosis

Two specific conditions you might hear about are vaginal atrophy and stenosis. Atrophy is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls, often due to a lack of estrogen. Stenosis is the shortening and narrowing of the vagina, which can result from scarring after pelvic radiation or surgery. Both can make penetration difficult and painful. These aren’t just things you have to live with. Treatments ranging from simple moisturizers and dilators to more advanced therapies can help restore tissue health and flexibility, making intimacy comfortable again.

Sores and Discomfort

Beyond dryness and tightness, some treatments can cause more immediate irritation. Chemotherapy, for instance, can affect all the mucous membranes in your body, including the lining of your vagina. This can make the tissue more sensitive, fragile, and prone to tearing or developing sores. According to Livestrong, this irritation can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you experience this, it’s important to give your body a break from penetrative sex and talk to your doctor about soothing treatments that can help the tissue heal while you complete your therapy.

Early Menopause Caused by Treatment

Some cancer treatments can send your body into menopause overnight. Surgery to remove the ovaries, pelvic radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy can all cause your ovaries to stop producing hormones, either temporarily or permanently. This sudden hormonal shift can trigger intense menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and, significantly, vaginal dryness and a drop in libido. Unlike natural menopause, which happens gradually over years, treatment-induced menopause is abrupt and can feel overwhelming. Managing these symptoms is a critical part of your recovery and overall quality of life.

How Non-Pelvic Cancers Affect Intimacy

Even when cancer isn’t located in the pelvic region, its treatment can still have a profound impact on your sex life. The effects might be less about direct physiological changes to your genitals and more about body image, energy levels, and emotional well-being. Surgeries can leave scars that change how you see yourself, while fatigue from treatment can leave little energy for intimacy. It’s a holistic challenge that involves reconnecting with a body that may feel different or even foreign after what it’s been through.

After Breast or Ostomy Surgery

Surgeries like a mastectomy or an ostomy can fundamentally change your relationship with your body. After breast surgery, you might experience a loss of sensation or feel self-conscious about scars. An ostomy, while life-saving, requires adjusting to a new bodily function that can impact your confidence during intimate moments. These changes are as much emotional as they are physical. Giving yourself grace, communicating openly with a partner, and exploring new ways to feel sensual and confident in your new body are all part of the healing process.

Changes from Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers of the head and neck can introduce unique challenges to intimacy. Treatments can affect your appearance, your ability to kiss, or even your sense of taste and smell, which are closely tied to arousal and connection. You might also experience dry mouth or fatigue that makes prolonged physical activity difficult. Adapting may mean finding new ways to show affection and experience pleasure that don’t rely on old habits. Focusing on touch, gentle massage, and verbal intimacy can help you and your partner maintain a strong connection.

Good News About Nerve Damage and Orgasm

Amid all these potential changes, there is a significant piece of good news. The nerves responsible for pleasure around the clitoris and within the vagina are rarely damaged by cancer treatment. This means that for most women, the physical ability to have an orgasm remains intact. While arousal might take more time and effort, and you may need to explore different types of stimulation, the capacity for pleasure is still there. This knowledge can be incredibly empowering and serve as a hopeful reminder that a satisfying sex life is still possible after cancer.

Your Toolkit for Managing Sexual Side Effects at Home

Navigating sexual side effects after cancer treatment can feel like a lonely journey, but you have more power than you think. There are many practical tools and strategies you can use at home to manage discomfort, rebuild confidence, and rediscover pleasure. From understanding the simple difference between a moisturizer and a lubricant to incorporating gentle exercises that strengthen your body, these proactive steps can make a world of difference. Think of this as your personal toolkit—a collection of resources you can turn to as you reconnect with your body and your sexuality on your own terms.

Moisturizers vs. Lubricants: Knowing the Difference

It’s easy to think moisturizers and lubricants are the same, but they serve two very different purposes. Vaginal moisturizers are for regular, ongoing use—think two to three times a week—to help restore moisture to the vaginal tissues and combat daily dryness and discomfort. Lubricants, on the other hand, are used specifically during sexual activity to reduce friction and make penetration more comfortable and pleasurable. Using both in your routine can provide comprehensive relief, addressing both everyday comfort and enjoyment during intimacy.

Tips for Choosing a Lubricant

When you’re at the store, the wall of lubricants can be overwhelming. The American Cancer Society recommends sticking to water-based or silicone-based gels. Look for products that are free of perfumes, flavors, and spermicide, as these additives can cause irritation, especially to sensitive tissue. It’s also wise to avoid oil-based products like petroleum jelly or baby oil. They can damage condoms and latex toys and may increase your risk of vaginal infections, which is the last thing you need while your body is recovering.

How Vaginal Dilators Can Help

If you’ve had pelvic radiation or certain types of surgery, your doctor might recommend using vaginal dilators. These are smooth, tube-shaped devices that come in graduated sizes, designed to gently stretch the vaginal tissues. Using them regularly—often just a few times a week—can help prevent or reverse the formation of scar tissue, keeping your vagina flexible, open, and comfortable for penetration. It might sound intimidating, but it’s a simple, effective physical therapy for your vagina that puts you in control of your healing.

Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor

Your pelvic floor muscles are a powerful network that supports your bladder, bowel, and uterus, and they play a huge role in sexual function. Cancer treatment can weaken these muscles, but you can strengthen them with targeted exercises, often called Kegels. Regularly contracting and relaxing these muscles can help reduce pain, improve bladder control, and increase blood flow to the genital area. This increased circulation can enhance arousal and sensation, making these simple exercises a powerful tool for improving your overall sexual health.

Reconnecting With Your Body and Pleasure

After treatment, your body might feel different, and it can take time to feel comfortable in your own skin again. This is a perfect time to explore what feels good now. This could mean using sexual fantasy to help with arousal or introducing a hand-held vibrator to provide more direct stimulation. You might also experiment with different sexual positions that put less pressure on sensitive areas or increase clitoral contact. It’s a process of rediscovery, giving yourself permission to be curious and patient as you learn your body’s new language of pleasure.

Safety, Communication, and Your Well-Being

As you navigate the return to intimacy, your overall well-being should be the top priority. This involves more than just managing physical symptoms; it’s about ensuring you feel safe, understood, and emotionally supported. This means having frank conversations with your doctor to understand any risks or precautions you need to take. It also means opening up to your partner about your fears, needs, and desires. Building this foundation of safety and open communication is essential for creating a positive and fulfilling sexual life after cancer.

Key Questions for Your Doctor

Your oncology team is a vital resource, but they may not bring up sexual health unless you do. It’s crucial to be your own advocate. Before treatment even begins, ask how it might affect your sexual function. According to one study, discussing sexual health with doctors *before* treatment is incredibly important for setting expectations and planning ahead. Don’t be shy about asking direct questions about safety, side effects, and what resources are available to you. This conversation is a standard and necessary part of comprehensive cancer care.

Is Sex Safe During Treatment?

This is a common and important question. For many, the answer is yes, but with some precautions. If your blood counts are low during chemotherapy, your immune system is compromised, increasing your risk of infection. In this case, your doctor might advise you to avoid penetrative sex temporarily. If you have vaginal sores or irritation, intercourse could be painful and delay healing. Always check with your doctor about what’s safe for you at each stage of your treatment, as the guidance can change from week to week.

Protecting Your Partner and Preventing Pregnancy

Safety extends to your partner as well. Small amounts of chemotherapy can be present in vaginal fluids, so using a barrier method like a condom is often recommended during and for a short time after treatment. It’s also critical to use reliable contraception. Getting pregnant during cancer treatment can be dangerous for both you and the fetus. Your doctor can advise you on the best non-hormonal birth control options, as hormonal methods may be discouraged depending on your type of cancer.

Opening Up to Your Partner

Your partner is likely on this journey with you, and they may have their own fears and uncertainties. They might worry about causing you pain or feel unsure how to initiate intimacy. Open communication is the bridge across this uncertainty. Talk about what feels good and what doesn’t. Share your feelings about your body and any insecurities you’re experiencing. This vulnerability can bring you closer and help you work as a team to find new ways to be intimate and connected, whether that includes intercourse or not.

What to Know About Herbal Remedies and Vaginal Estrogen

In your search for relief, you might come across herbal remedies or supplements marketed for sexual health. It’s essential to approach these with caution and to discuss every single one with your oncologist. Some herbs can interfere with the effectiveness of your cancer treatment or have hormone-like effects that could be harmful, especially with hormone-sensitive cancers. Similarly, while vaginal estrogen is a very effective treatment for vaginal atrophy, its safety depends on your specific cancer diagnosis. Always rely on your medical team for guidance before trying any new treatment.

Where to Find Expert Support for Your Sexual Health

While at-home strategies are incredibly helpful, sometimes you need the guidance of a professional to overcome persistent challenges. You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Building a dedicated healthcare team that understands the intersection of cancer and sexual health can provide you with advanced solutions and personalized care. From specialized therapies that address the root cause of physical symptoms to experts who can offer emotional support, professional help is available to guide you toward lasting relief and a renewed sense of well-being.

Building Your Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team might expand beyond your oncologist. A gynecologist with expertise in sexual medicine, a pelvic floor physical therapist, or a sex therapist can provide specialized support. These professionals are trained to address the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors. They can offer tailored advice, perform detailed evaluations, and create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Seeking out this expertise is a proactive step toward reclaiming a part of your life that is integral to your happiness and overall health.

Specialized Treatments for Lasting Relief

When at-home remedies aren’t enough, a specialist in female sexual medicine can offer a range of advanced treatments designed to provide more significant and lasting relief. These therapies go beyond managing symptoms and aim to restore function and health to the affected tissues. From innovative hormone therapies to cutting-edge rejuvenation techniques, these medical interventions can address the physiological impacts of cancer treatment, helping you feel more like yourself again and making intimacy a joyful and comfortable experience rather than a source of stress or pain.

Hormone Replacement Therapies

For women thrown into abrupt menopause, hormonal changes are often at the core of their sexual side effects. A specialist can help determine if you are a candidate for hormone replacement. Depending on your cancer type and health history, options like Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or Biote Hormone Therapy may be considered to replenish hormones and alleviate symptoms like vaginal dryness, low libido, and hot flashes. These treatments require careful consideration and expert management, ensuring they are both safe and effective for you.

Vaginal Rejuvenation and Health

Modern medicine offers incredible, minimally invasive treatments to restore vaginal health. A specialist like Dr. Jennifer Berman can provide advanced therapies that directly target issues like vaginal atrophy, laxity, and discomfort. For example, treatments such as the O-Shot use your body’s own growth factors to promote tissue regeneration, while energy-based treatments like Morpheus 8-V can help rebuild collagen and improve tissue quality. These options can offer profound improvements in lubrication, sensation, and comfort, helping you fully enjoy intimacy again.

Need More Help With Your Sexual Health?

Frequently Asked Questions

I feel so alone with these changes. Is it common to have sexual health problems after cancer? It is incredibly common, so please know you are not alone in this. So many women experience changes to their sexual health during and after cancer treatment. It’s a completely normal part of the recovery process that often gets overlooked in the focus on survival. Think of it as another side effect that deserves just as much attention and care as any other.

There’s so much information here. What’s the single most important first step I can take? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start simple. The easiest and most impactful first step is to get a high-quality vaginal moisturizer for daily comfort and a separate water-based or silicone-based lubricant for any sexual activity. Addressing dryness can provide immediate relief, which can make a huge difference in how you feel physically and emotionally as you begin to explore what comes next.

My oncologist is focused on my cancer, not my sex life. How can I bring this up without feeling awkward? It can feel intimidating, but your doctor is there to support your entire well-being. Try being direct and framing it as part of your overall health. You could say something like, “I’m experiencing some side effects that are affecting my quality of life, specifically my sexual health. Can we talk about some options, or could you refer me to a specialist who can help?”

What if I’m not ready for intercourse? How can my partner and I stay intimate? Intimacy is so much more than just one act. This is a perfect opportunity to redefine what pleasure and connection mean for you and your partner. Focus on touch, exploration, and open communication. Activities that don’t involve penetration, like massage or mutual masturbation, can be incredibly connecting and pleasurable. The goal is to find what feels good for you right now.

I had a hormone-sensitive cancer. Are treatments like hormone therapy or vaginal rejuvenation safe for me? This is a critical question, and the answer is highly personal. Your safety is the top priority, and whether a specific treatment is right for you depends entirely on your individual medical history. This is exactly why consulting with a specialist in female sexual medicine is so important. They can assess your unique situation and discuss all the potential options, including many effective non-hormonal therapies that can restore comfort and function.

Key Takeaways

  • Focus on the true cause of sexual side effects: It’s the treatment, not you. Physical and emotional changes to your sexual health are a common result of therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, so be compassionate with yourself as your body heals.
  • Take control with at-home care: Simple, consistent actions can bring significant relief. Learn the difference between daily moisturizers and lubricants for sex, consider using vaginal dilators to maintain tissue health, and practice pelvic floor exercises to improve function and sensation.
  • Build your team of medical experts: You don’t have to solve complex issues alone. If at-home care isn’t enough, a specialist in female sexual medicine can provide advanced treatments like hormone therapy or vaginal rejuvenation to help you find lasting relief.

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