We all know just how important our health is, especially if you are a breast cancer survivor. Vaginal health, however, is often overlooked, even though many women have personally felt how it wears on their bodies, takes a toll on their relationships and affects how they feel about themselves as women – physically and emotionally.
Sex, Vaginal Health and Breast Cancer
It is well known that chemotherapy or radiation can have long-lasting effects on your body. It can amplify changes to your feminine self and not only leave you feeling less feminine, but also make intimate relationships uncomfortable.
After breast cancer treatment your vaginal health can be compromised by a drop in estrogen levels and/or premature menopause. WebMD notes that “chemotherapy-induced menopause occurs in 10%-50% of women younger than 40, and in 50% to 94% of women over 40.” This can often lead to vaginal symptoms including discomfort, itching, pain during intercourse, and more.
According to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and Leslie R. Schover, Phd – who has spent her career creating programs to help women “overcome cancer-related problems with sexuality and fertility” – the majority of women with breast cancer experience negative changes in their sex lives. “By some estimates, over 80 percent of women treated for breast cancer end up with sexual problems”.
Sex after breast cancer is not often talked about yet it’s a crucial competent of healing our bodies and mind after cancer treatment.
Though the bigger problem is that most women do not seek professional help for this even years after finishing active breast cancer treatment. This is why it’s important to talk about vaginal health and breast cancer and take steps to improve it. We were surprised ourselves when we heard about a possible to solution to this very personal, and frustrating problem.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation is a non-surgical treatment using laser technology to stimulate vaginal skin. It works to help women restore their confidence by relieving specific symptoms such as urinary incontinence, dryness/itchiness, loss of tightening, lack of sexual desire, and even painful intercourse.
Lisa A. underwent a vaginal rejuvenation treatment at Synergi MedSpa and cannot say enough about how easy the procedure was and how amazing the results have been for her.
“GAME CHANGER! The Femtouch procedure has restored my relationship and my livelihood! Following chemotherapy, I was unable to have sexual relations with my husband due to the incredible discomfort. After 3 treatments at Synergi MedSpa, my husband and I are experiencing a renewal in our relationship.”
Synergi MedSpa’s interest in this personal subject was sparked when their nurse Ginnie Grimm mentioned it as her favorite service offering. They have since found their Femtouch procedure to help so many women after life-changing events – such as childbirth, menopause and especially breast cancer.
“We are proud to help our fellow sisters bring back confidence as well as pleasure in intimate situations.”
Learning about premature menopause and vaginal rejuvenation can help everyone better deal with these breast cancer symptoms. As a breast cancer survivor, vaginal health shouldn’t be allowed to compromise your happiness, sexuality or femininity.
Thank you to our sponsor Synergi MedSpa for bringing this condition and treatment to our attention. We would also like to thank you for participating in our 2017 Dare2Tutu Campaign! You’re rocking the tutus!
If you offer a service that can help improve the lives of breast cancer patients, please contact us. We would be honored to co-publish an article with you.
Linda Carey is the co-creator of The Tutu Project and President of the Carey Foundation. She has been living with Metastatic Breast Cancer for fifteen years and is an advocate for the breast cancer community.