Sex after Breast Cancer

hands holding pink ribbon

Recovery from breast cancer is a long and challenging road that frequently involves making peace with lots of change—different bodily sensations, altered abilities, different goals and perspectives. As with any change, we need some time to adjust to our “new normal.” But just like during menopause, time is not our friend. New habits and treatments are best begun right away; after breast cancer, we have fewer treatment options when sexual health symptoms appear. That makes prevention more critical.

Most Basic: Vaginal Moisturizer

A vaginal moisturizer is for regular, daily use, not just for sex. It conditions the vagina and keeps the tissue healthy and moist. Look for moisturizers natural ingredients, without parabens. MiddlesexMD has several options especially recommended:

Epigyn, a gentle formula for restoring skin integrity and improving tissue health.
Kindra Vaginal Lotion, a brand that can improve vaginal dryness, with effects for libido and the elimination of painful sex.

During Intimacy: Lubricate

Use a lubricant lavishly in your vagina for extra lubrication during sex. Again, check ingredients for the most natural; stay away from products with parabens, glycerin, and petrochemicals. While there's no best lubricant for breast cancer patients, some specific brands we recommend are:

Velvet Rose Personal Lubricant, a silky smooth, non-sticky, is one of the few FDA Cleared lubricants.
Uberlube, ideal if you have sensitivities.

Considering Hormonal Options

In February 2016, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a Committee Opinion on the use of vaginal estrogen for managing urogenital symptoms, which can include lower urinary tract infections and sexual discomfort. Their findings reinforce non-hormonal options, like the moisturizers mentioned above and other over-the-counter products available from MiddlesexMD, as the first resort for breast cancer patients.

Then, the Committee Opinion goes on, "data do not show an increased risk of cancer recurrence among women... who use vaginal estrogen to relieve urogenital symptoms." This is good news for those women for whom non-hormonal options have not been or continued to be successful because the localized use of hormones is not off the table. (NPR reporter Dana Farrington reported on the announcement in the story found here.)

More Tools for Support

Now for the rest of that toolkit. These are items that can be very helpful to breast cancer survivors—and to lots of other women, too.

Pillows. Lots of pillows for soft support where you need it. If a position feels ouchy, try cushioning the area with a pillow.
Scene-setting paraphernalia. Candles, incense, music, or romantic or erotic movies can help with relaxation and atmosphere.
Sexy attire. If you need to start out—or stay—clothed for a while, get sexy lingerie that covers the strategic parts.
Read the information about vaginal comfort and genital sensation on this website and the very helpful blog posts about sex after cancer from Dr. Mary Jo Rapini.
Listen to this podcast. Dr. Barb and Mary Jo also talked in person in the Fullnss of Midlife episode, "This is a detour... but I still have a life." You may see yourself in some her experiences with couples navigating breast cancer and their sexual relationships. You're not alone!

Below are a few good starting places in the ongoing conversation about sex after breast cancer.

Shopping Cart