Chemotherapy, commonly used to treat cancer, involves powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. This course of treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's overall health, and its side effects can include sexual health. In this article, we will discuss the effects of chemotherapy on painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), its causes and ways to deal with this problem.

Effects of chemotherapy on sexual health

While chemotherapy aims to destroy cancerous cells, it can also damage the body's healthy cells. This can cause a variety of side effects, which can also affect sexual health. Possible effects of chemotherapy on sexual health include

  1. Vaginal Dryness: Chemotherapy can lower estrogen levels, which can cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can lead to pain and discomfort during intercourse.
  2. Changes in Hormone Levels: Chemotherapy can affect hormone levels, which can lead to decreased sexual desire and discomfort during intercourse.
  3. Vaginal Atrophy: Estrogen deficiency can lead to thinning of the vaginal tissues and reduced elasticity. This can cause pain during sexual intercourse.
  4. Nerve Damage: Chemotherapy can affect the nervous system and cause nerve damage. This damage can lead to reduced sensitivity or painful stimulation of the genitals.

Causes of painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

Dyspareunia can be a common problem among patients undergoing chemotherapy. The main causes of this problem are:

  1. Physical Changes: Vaginal dryness and atrophy can cause friction and irritation during intercourse, leading to pain.
  2. Psychological Factors: A cancer diagnosis and treatment can lead to psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. These emotional states can affect sexual desire and comfort during intercourse.
  3. Risk of Infection: Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, which can increase the risk of infection. Infections can cause pain and discomfort in the genital area.
  4. Treatments in the Pelvic Region: Radiotherapy or surgery to the pelvic area can cause nerve damage and tissue changes that can lead to pain during intercourse.

How to Deal with Painful Sexual Intercourse

There are various coping strategies and treatments available for patients experiencing painful sexual intercourse due to chemotherapy:

Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Water-based vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can provide relief during intercourse by reducing vaginal dryness.

Hormonal Treatments: Low-dose estrogen creams or hormone treatments recommended by a doctor can strengthen and moisturize vaginal tissues. These treatments can be effective in reducing pain.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegel exercises, can increase the elasticity of vaginal tissues and reduce pain during intercourse.

Psychological Support: It is important to seek psychological support to manage stress and anxiety. Therapy or counseling can help patients improve their sexual health.

Communication: Open and honest communication with the partner can help reduce discomfort and pain during intercourse. Partner understanding and support is critical in managing this process.