GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER GUIDE: IMPACT OF CANCER ON SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Although it is easy to blame ‘cancer’ for everything that is amiss in one’s life after treatment is finished, it must be recognized that sexual activity and intimacy may be disrupted, in most cases for a short time, after surgery or treatment.Some women are hesitant to resume normal patterns of intercourse due to a lack of awareness that it is ‘safe’ to do so. All women interviewed for this book experienced a dramatic compromise to intimate and sexual activity, usually for a short time only. Sexual activity was reduced for up to the first three years and frequent activity less of a priority for some. This was more so for older women in long-term partnerships. Most felt too tired or distracted with the process of getting well during and immediately after treatment to even consider intercourse. Despite the lack of physical activity, many felt a huge need for intimate activity and fell ‘guilty’ at the ‘inability to perform’. Generally, most women resolved these dilemmas once they began to feel physically well, and had accepted themselves again as worthwhile.The fact that many women do not resume normal sexual or intimate activity within a reasonable time frame is often based on a number of factors. Some couples remain ignorant, if there has been a lack of adequate discussion with the doctor regarding body changes or the impacts of treatment on sexual activity. They may be fearful of causing internal damage. Some women are frustrated by a perceived lack of consideration by the partner. If there is a (subconscious) perception that the partner was responsible for the cancer, the relationship may deteriorate into unfair blaming and resentment. Inadequate communication between couples will only worsen such a situation, and professional counseling is recommended. Sometimes, as in Gestational Trophoblast disease or Choriocarcinoma, it may be due to a fear of the risk of recurrence through pregnancy in the first twelve months.Did you know that all gynecological doctors are well trained in discussing sexuality and intimacy issues? They will understand that you may be embarrassed in discussing sexual issues. They will not be shocked, however, by your experiences and needs, and are able to discuss ways that you can resume a normal intimate life.*37/144/5*
