Management of Sexual Problems in Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer and its treatment can diminish or change sexual function, sexual feeling, and sexual self-image. Women with breast cancer may experience loss of sexual desire, decreased arousability, diminished orgasmic capacity, impaired vaginal physiology, depression, and a lessened sense of “femaleness.” Untreated sexual problems negatively affect intimate relationships, self-confidence, and physical well-being. Addressing the issue of sexual function before treatment begins alerts the patient to the clinician’s interest and increases the chance that the patient will bring future sexual problems to the attention of the treatment team. Depending on the nature of the problem and the disease context, interventions are available for treatment of sexual problems in women with breast cancer, including vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, medications or therapy to alleviate depression-related sexual dysfunction, and couples therapy to address sexual and more general issues. Encouraging vaginal health in at-risk patients may prevent some sexual problems.