Sex After Breast Cancer

Angelina Jolie revealed today that she had made the courageous decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy.  Jolie wrote an Op-Ed piece for the New York Times that she had made the decision based on genetic testing which revealed she had an 87% greater likelihood of contracting breast cancer and a 50% risk of contracting ovarian cancer.  Jolie, whose mother died of ovarian cancer, stated she had hoped other women would find encouragement from her story.  

Jolie was lucky in several respects.  She was able to afford the approximate $3,000.00 cost to have genetic testing, which is often uncovered by insurance agencies.  She had a loving and supportive partner (who happens to be Brad Pitt, so doubly lucky!).  And she was able to afford reconstructive surgery to her breasts.

One in eight women are likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Prophylactic mastectomy procedures have risen by 50% over the last ten years.  For the thousands of women a year who undergo mastectomies, the procedure comes with significant mental ramifications.  Despite the psychological and cosmetic benefits of having reconstructive surgery, fewer than one in four women undergo the procedure.  Women who are on Medicaid or Medicare, are African-American, and who are treated at rural or non-teaching hospitals are less likely to have reconstructive surgery.  Breast reconstruction not only improves psychological but also sexual well-being.

Whether women opt for breast reconstruction or not, the lingering sexual effects of being a breast cancer survivor can last well after the patient is in remission.  Although survivor's quality of life typically begins to return to normal after one year, sexual difficulties often persist longer.  Chemotherapy

can push younger survivors into premature menopause, causing vaginal dryness and pain.  Vaginal dryness was one of the chief complaints of all breast cancer survivors.  To combat vaginal dryness, Fantasy Gifts recommends Pjur Eros Original Bodyglide.  Made of 100% medical grade silicone, Eros feels silky smooth and never dries out.  It is safe, extremely long-lasting, and produces a velvety-smooth lubrication.


Vaginal pain was another complaint.  Sexual medicine providers recommend vaginal dilators like Dr. Laura Berman's Dilator Set.  Starting at 2.75" circumference and going up to 4.75", the
Dilator Set works for every women.  The vibratory option helps to take the clinical edge off dilator use by making the focus on pleasure as well as training. 

Because many women experience sensory sensitivity after chemotherapy, Fantasy Gifts recommends non-flavored and unscented lubricants and massage oils.  System Jo All in One Sensual Massage Glide is an unscented, silicone-based massage oil.  Its highly concentrated formula can also be used as a personal lubricant.

Of course, the biggest complaint sexual complaint among breast cancer survivors was lack of sexual desire.  Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for that (unless the government finally decides to start funding research for female libido-enhancing drugs - but that's a different blog).  Loss of libido is tied to so many breast cancer issues: body self-esteem, lack of estrogen, pain, vaginal dryness, genital fatigue.  Our best advice is to try some of the above measures, see what works for you and what does not.  If your libido does not increase, have a frank, open discussion with your medical provider.  There is currently a low-dose topical estrogen cream that has met with positive results. 

Angelina Jolie remains one of the sexiest women in the world.  Her sexiness has nothing to do with her breasts - it's her confidence, her inner and outer beauty, and her sexuality.  To all breast cancer survivors, Fantasy Gifts is here to help - and we salute you!