Problems with sex for patients with cervical cancer

The article is professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thien Quang - Internal Oncologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Women with cervical cancer, besides having to face the pain of the disease, when cured of the disease, many people are also worried about the impact of the disease on their sex life. This is a sensitive and often overlooked issue during cervical cancer treatment.

Gynecological cancers, especially cervical cancer and its treatments, can affect sexual function. The most affected areas are the vagina, intestines, rectum, and bladder and can develop into a variety of changes and disorders, primarily sexual. According to some experts, sexual dysfunction is the main source of suffering for patients after cervical cancer treatment, for example:
Surgery to widen the peritoneal and paravaginal tissue that injures the uterus Autonomic nervous system innervation of pelvic organs. This leads to decreased vaginal secretions during intercourse as well as decreased sexual pleasure. Surgery is one of the methods indicated for the treatment of most gynecological cancers. When the patient has a radical hysterectomy, t1 of the upper vagina is removed, thereby reducing the length of the vagina. A vulvectomy changes the structure and shape of a woman's vulva. Radiation therapy leads to vaginal dryness and pain, sometimes with vaginal atrophy, adhesion, and narrowing. Side effects of chemicals such as fatigue, vomiting, decreased sexual activity. Chemotherapy is also one of the factors that promote women into early menopause and brings many consequences in sexual activity in young or premenopausal women.

There are also a number of reasons including:
Lack of experience, lack of formal training as well as expertise in areas such as psychophysiological counseling, palliative care, journey planning treatment,... Patient is shy. Lack of resources to support when needed. A 2012 Brazilian study that evaluated sexual function in 71 patients diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer and treated with radiation therapy found that: Sexual dysfunction was identified. received in 3/4 patients. The results also showed the rate of abstinence from sex in 73.6% of patients; may be related to factors such as a breakup, separation or divorce following a cancer diagnosis or treatment, and lack of guidance from a medical professional.

So, can I have sex after cervical cancer treatment?
The answer is yes . Regardless of hysterectomy or radiation therapy, after treatment, cervical cancer patients can still maintain "sex", only having a baby is not possible if the patient has had a hysterectomy. However, as mentioned above, the side effects of chemicals and treatments make women encounter problems due to sexual dysfunction. This significantly affects the quality of life and couple relationships.

To deal with changes in sex life caused by cancer and cancer treatments, it takes perseverance and efforts from three sides: the patient, the doctor and the loved ones.
Patients should take the time to talk with their sexual health professional as well as with their "partner" about what they know and feel, express their wishes to their partner, and guide them. Ways and postures to help you feel most comfortable and reduce pain. Do not hesitate to express your concerns to the medical staff about the difficulties you face in your sex life after cancer treatment. As mentioned above, sexual dysfunction is a problem that most women with gynecological cancer face.

Accept yourself: take the time to get used to your body's changes, see cancer as a new beginning in life. Eat and exercise to keep your body and mind healthy. Practicing relaxation exercises with a therapist will help you improve your health and relieve stress. Men play an incredibly important role in helping patients get through long and exhausting cancer treatment. The care, affection, and caress of the partner is an effective medicine, of great significance in married life, as well as in solving sexual disorders caused by sexual dysfunction. cervical cancer. Although there are many difficulties that hinder a woman's sex life after cervical cancer treatment. However, this problem can completely improve after the patient's patience, especially sympathy and support from the "partner".
Currently, with the development of modern medicine, cervical cancer can be completely cured if detected early. In particular, cervical cancer screening is the "key" to detect and provide effective treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the medical facilities that applies the automated system HPV genotype PCR test and transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries.
To prevent and detect disease early, women should take the initiative to go to the doctor and equip themselves with disease prevention knowledge to have a healthy life.