Columbus, OH,
08
February
2019
|
18:32 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

OhioHealth Medical Minute: Sex and Intimacy After Cancer

download
MM Sex and Cancer

It’s an important topic that many people are nervous to talk about – sex and intimacy after cancer. Deepa Halaharvi, DO, a breast cancer surgeon with OhioHealth Breast and Cancer Surgeons, says being nervous about intimacy after cancer is a frequent and normal concern for patients and their partners.

“Up to 90% of cancer survivors have intimacy problems after being diagnosed with cancer,” said Dr. Halaharvi. “The most common complaints that I hear are pain and dryness, especially related to the menopausal problems that can come with chemo or from taking an anti-estrogen pill.”

However, in this latest OhioHealth Medical Minute, she offers suggestions to patients.

“First, focus on the physical aspects,” she said. “There’s non-hormonal treatments such as lubricants. As far as the desire, it’s more about rebuilding your relationship with your partner. Open communication is the key. Talk about what you like, what you don’t like, if you want to try something new – things you like or don’t like now versus from before you were diagnosed.”

Dr. Halaharvi and Jodi Gibbs, PA-C, will be presenting more on this topic at a special event with Pink Ribbon Girls. Women’s Night Out: Sex and Intimacy After Cancer, will provide more information and support. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 13 from 6:30 – 8 p.m at Cancer Support Community of Central Ohio – 1200 Old Henderson Road in Upper Arlington. Dinner will be provided.

If you're interested, register soon because the event is close to capacity. You can register by clicking here. For more information, you can download the event flyer above under the "downloads" section. To learn more about cancer services at OhioHealth, click here.