As you celebrate remission and begin exploring what life looks like after cancer treatment, you might be wondering how to discuss sex with your partner, or what sex looks like for you now. Since many cancer treatments have a significant impact on the vagina, we understand if you struggle with physical and emotional barriers around intimacy.
That’s where The Stoehr Center in Frisco comes in. Led by Dr. Angie Stoehr, a chronic pelvic pain, sexual pain, and sexual dysfunction specialist, we help patients explore their intimate wellness. With Dr. Stoehr’s expertise, guidance, and compassion, you can see what redefining intimacy after cancer looks like for you.
Ready to speak with Dr. Stoehr? Request an appointment with us. Or, keep reading as we discuss how cancer can affect intimacy.
How Cancer Treatment Affects Intimacy
As you likely know, cancer cells grow more rapidly than normal cells. Cancer treatment, like chemotherapy, attacks these rapidly producing cells, which can also affect healthy cells.
Some of the most rapidly producing cells are found in the vaginal mucosa, the inner lining of the vagina that keeps it lubricated. This lining is also greatly affected by estrogen levels (which can decline with cancer treatment), causing thinning and dryness.
If you experience dysfunction or a lack of sexual pleasure after cancer treatments, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Dr. Stoehr makes it her mission to help patients rediscover intimacy after one of the most challenging periods of their lives. 💜
Let’s look at what Dr. Stoehr recommends for exploring sexual wellness after cancer treatment.
Visit Dr. Stoehr for Post-Cancer Gynecology
When you visit The Stoehr Center in Frisco after cancer treatment, we take a unique approach to your gynecological exam. Dr. Stoehr speaks with you about your experience, desires for redefining intimacy after cancer, and any obstacles you’ve faced.
We provide a post-cancer gynecology exam to understand how to improve your vaginal and pelvic health. You never feel alone with us—in each appointment, we educate, empower, and listen to you.
Once Dr. Stoehr has a better understanding of your gynecological health after cancer treatment, she discusses potential treatment plans with you to improve your sexual comfort.
Treatment Options at The Stoehr Center
Let’s discuss a few treatment options and recommendations that Dr. Stoehr finds beneficial for cancer survivors and their intimate wellness.
Vaginal Dilators
For patients post-cancer treatment, Dr. Stoehr highly recommends a protocol with dilators, depending on the health of the vaginal tissue. Dr. Stoehr can create a personalized plan and schedule based on your needs.
Vaginal dilators stretch the vaginal tissue, and they come in different sizes to work your way up. With a plan made by Dr. Stoehr, you can increase the chances of having pleasurable sex again.
Dr. Stoehr typically suggests using the dilator for a specific amount of time and whenever it works for you—while you’re brushing your teeth, folding laundry, or getting ready for bed! The dilation timeline depends on the damage the cancer treatment had on the vagina.
With Dr. Stoehr’s guidance and support, you can maintain hope and positivity as you work your way back to having sex again.
Hydration-Enhancing Products
Since cancer treatment impacts vaginal lubrication, we can restore it through specialized products that safely promote hydration.
Dr. Stoehr might recommend a non-estrogen-containing compound, like hyaluronic acid (HA), to enhance hydration. These products can be used with vaginal dilators to prevent shrinking and enhance lubrication.
Depending on your unique situation, Dr. Stoehr might recommend vaginal estrogen products to replenish hormones in your vagina. By speaking with Dr. Stoehr and confirming with your oncologist, you can improve vaginal dryness and encourage healing with products tailored to your needs.
Maintaining Realistic Expectations
One of the most important aspects of redefining intimacy after cancer is being open with your partner(s). As you discuss the possibility of having sex again, understand that the process takes time and effort. We’re here with you every step of the way.
Having support during these conversations can keep expectations realistic and enhance the journey.
Sex Therapy
Dr. Stoehr strongly recommends visiting a sex therapist. These professionals differ from traditional therapists, as their focus is on helping partners overcome sexual challenges. With support from an adept sex therapist, you can receive guidance on ways to be intimate, overcoming emotional barriers, and how to improve communication about sex.
Combining treatments from The Stoehr Center and receiving counseling from a sex therapist can make the road to pleasurable penetrative sex more efficient and positive.
Don’t lose hope, you can have sex again!
Exploring the Definition of Intimacy
Redefining intimacy after cancer could mean considering more than solely penetrative sex. Exploring alternative options with your partner(s) can make your sex life more enjoyable and personal. If you choose sex therapy, your therapist may recommend options that enhance emotional closeness, like holding hands, spending quality time together, or cuddling.
Additionally, Dr. Stoehr and/or a therapist can help you explore other means of pleasure by educating you about toys, pressure relief, and more. We’re always open to questions about spicing up your sex life. 😋
When You’re Ready, so Are We
We understand the toll that cancer treatment can take on your mind, body, and soul. Explore the possibilities of intimacy after cancer through managing sexual pain, increasing libido, and healing your vagina at The Stoehr Center.
If you are looking for a provider who can help you enhance your sexual wellness after cancer, visit Dr. Stoehr. She makes every visit feel comfortable, full of compassion, and extremely personal. By understanding how your body has changed and how to help you get back on track with your sexual wellness, we can help you reclaim your intimacy.
Redefining intimacy after cancer doesn’t have to be intimidating or confusing. Request an appointment to meet Dr. Stoehr and start the journey toward improving your gynecological health and sex life! 💋
