Hi I’m 37 and after beating BC last year am on Zoladex with an impending oophorectomy. I have no sex drive and when my husband and I do have sex ( usually because he reminds me we haven’t done it for a while), the pain is excruciating. My GP has today prescribed testosterone patches and replens. I miss the intimacy and passion with my husband but most of all worry that I will never enjoy sex again. Has anyone tried these as I would love to hear and also is there anyone out there in the Bath/Frome area who fancies a chat???/
Lots of love Scarecrow
Hi Scarecrow,
I too am on Zoladex and Tamoxifen. My BCN advised me to use Replens vaginal moisturiser and I get this on prescription in boxes of 6 individual applications. I know someone who had a terrible time with vaginal dryness - I believe it can be quite sore, poor you but hopefully the Replens should help. My BCN suggested that I use the Replens as a preventative measure as oppose to waiting til I got a problem and I have to say that ‘things’ have been fine!!!
Good luck, Carla
sorry i can be quite direct…I had my ovaries removed at 29 and had major problems with dryness and painfull sex, sex can be a mission but i go nuts with the replens MD, lube and a series about of foreplay! I talked to an oncologist about it and you can get asked to be referred to a gynaecology expert because you can stretch everything again…i didnt go for that but it may help you chick.
good luck
Hi Carla and Lynnc, thanks for the advice about Replens, it seems there is hope after an oopherectomy. I think I’ll give it a go for a while before I go for stretching!!
Thanks girls, love Scarecrow
Hi
Try Sylk.
Go onto website and ask for free sample - comes in couple of days.
Works brilliantly. I thought about becoming a nun it was so painful. Hubby was understanding but I was in tears.
Marilyn X
Hi Marilyn,
Sylk and Replens it is then, presumably i can use them together. What with the testosterone patches aswell I’ll be a nymph ( wishful thinking !!!)
Thanks for your advice
love Scarecrow xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi girls,
I was on Tamoxifen and Zoladex ( for 13months ) before I couldn;t handle the side effects from the Zoladex any more. I’m now on Tamoxifen only. Have been for 3 years.
I remember a gynaecologist consultant telling me they could give you a cream/gel to insert into the vagina ( NOT Relens or anything similar ) and it could make sex easier. Only thing was, it had a MINOR ammont of oestrogen in it, so if you wanted to avoid ANYTHING with oestrogen then it wont be for you. It was used purely to prevent painful sex.There isn’t really anything that I know of to bring back the “desire”.
I’m now approaching the prospect of having my ovaries removed and I MAY have to consider having the cream/gel to help with sex. The gynaecologist said the ammount of oesrogen was so small and was absorbed my the vaginal tissues only that the benefits outweighed the risks.
Speak to or get referred to a gynaecologist for a chat about this girls.
*pearly*
I’ve been prescribed oestrogen gel and it is fantastic. As Pearly says the risks are very low as very little oestrogen is absorbed into the body. My Onc was more than happy to prescribe it as replens didn’t work for me. Sadly I haven’t found anything to rekindle the desire as yet but heres hoping! good luck.
Replens is oestrogen free- my ER+ status and the fact it spread so quickly i cant have anything with oestrogen in it…oh another thing that has helped me is getting a new squeeze when bored of the current one 
hehe godbless honeymoon periods!
I’m the same as you Lynnc so can’t have oestrogen gel. I’ve used Replens for 5 days now, I get a horrible discharge but I guess that goes with the territory!! Haven’t tried sex yet but received my free sample of Sylk in the post this morning, so may be brave enough to try tomorrow!! As for desire, Intrinsa testosterone patches have only been available on prescription since April so my GP wasn’t too sure what to expect, I’m her first!! Although the leaflet says not to use if you have had BC or hormone receptive cancer my oncologist has totally given me the all clear to use them. You stick them on your abdomen and they slowly release testosterone. I had trouble with the first one coming unstuck but someone suggested steri wipes and they work a treat. I haven’t had any urges yet but they take a couple of weeks to get working. Watch this space!!!
Love Scarecrow xxxxx
horny goat weed…
hello all…
has anyone heard of or tried ‘horny goat weed’ to rekindle their “urges”?
Its a herbal remedy (also known as Epimedium) and is supposed to reduce fatigue and boost your libido. - sounds just what i need!
Nearly bought some today as found some on special offer but concerned about its interaction with my current medication.
I’ve trawled the net but can find nothing to say whether it can be taken with tamoxifen/zoladex or not.
Has anybody heard anything about it/given it a try??
All the best
Nidge
Hi all i am nearly two weeks into taking tamoxifen, but since being diagnosed in June, my sex drive has hit an all time low, now, i too find that i have a very dry painful vagina, do not find my oncologist at all helpful, and would love to know what this website is for the free sample is
regards
alison
Hi
The websit is Sylk (try google)
You register and can apply for free sample.
This is a small sachet of clear gel (from what I can remember Non hormonal vegetable -sounds yuk- based whatever.
I used it at first when chemo caused vaginal thrush and intercourse felt more lik rape.
Sylk made such a difference:). Know it sounds like an advert but it works, either with Replens ( another free sample) or on its own.
Marilyn x
Hi Marilyn, thank you so much, am going to go and look now
regards
alison
Hi again, just found the site and have ordered my free sample
xxxxxx Alison
Nidge,
I’d also like to try the goat weed but like you I don’t know if it can be taken along with Tamoxifen. I also used to be on Zoladex as well but not now.
Wonder who we could ask about it? There certainly are herbal supps which they say not to take along with Tamoxifen. Just don’t know if this is one of them.
*pearly*
Dear pearly
It is advisable to ask your medical team for advice prior to taking any medications/supplements not prescribed by them.
Best wishes
Lucy
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi everyone,
Well I tried the testosterone patches (Intrinsa), they didn’t stick so I had to put a sticky plaster over the top, they caused really bad rashes, teenage acne, facial hair & extreme fatigue!! As for helping with sex drive - I couldn’t tell you as I was so exhausted all the time I ended up going to bed before my husband! I’m glad I’m not a teenage boy if that’s what it feels like. I’ve decided to abandon the Intrinsa as it didn’t work for me!! Would like to hear more about the goat weed tho if anyone knows anything. Hope you have better luck than me with sex drive.
Lots of love Scarecrow xxxxxxxxxx
Hi Girls,
I haven’t been able to broach this one with my GP - I don’t know why? But have just read all your posts and ordered free sample of Sylk - so hopefully it may help. Can I get a sample of replens direct or do I have to go to Gp for that?
I had ovaries out 3 years ago and slowly sex has got more and more painful and recently had to nearly give up altogether as was bleeding. Apparently I have cervical erosion!! great along with everything else the gynaecologist told me after ultrasound. She only offered oestrogen gel but I wasn’t keen as er+.
Mu husband has been great and even came home with a goody bag from Ann Summers which if I am honest has helped at bit!
Anyway waiting expectantly for sample.
Sarah x
Hi Sarah
Yes you can get a free sample of Replens. Seem to think I did it on line.
Marilyn x