Libido and dryness

Hello,

I’m too embarrassed to ask this one to my nurses at the hospital.

I’m HER2+, currently on Paclitaxel with Phesgo. I’m receiving the monthly injection to put my ovaries to sleep (can’t remember the name), putting me in an induced menopause.

One of the side effects I’m experiencing from that is a dry vulva and really low sex drive. Actually, it’s non existent.

My partner (male) is amazing and is being so patient, understanding and kind, but I miss the intimacy of sex. Is there anything I can do to 1, help with the dryness and 2, increase my sex drive?

Thank you in advance!

Hi meggymoo10,

Thank you for posting.

It’s understandable you feel embarrassed asking about the vaginal dryness and loss of libido you are experiencing. We hear from many women who express similar concerns, and we know it can affect many aspects of your life.

Vaginal dryness, together with other menopausal symptoms are common in women like you who have had or are having treatment for breast cancer. This is because some breast cancer treatments block or reduce the amount of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen helps to maintain the vagina’s moisture and elasticity. A lack of it can cause the vagina to become dry and less supple, causing pain and discomfort. This may also make sex or intimacy difficult as you are experiencing.

Vaginal dryness and irritation can be embarrassing and difficult to talk about but it’s important that you tell your treatment team or GP about the symptoms you are having. They can then rule out any possible causes of the dryness and also discuss non-hormonal treatments such as vaginal moisturisers and lubricants.

Pelvic floor exercises can also help by increasing blood flow to the area. The links above to our information give suggestions which may help.

It’s good to hear that your partner is understanding. Being able to talk about how you are feeling is important and can lesson any anxiety you might be feeling. Our booklet Your body intimacy and sex booklet includes information about loss of libido and intimacy which you may want to read with your partner. It explores different ways in which you can regain intimacy together as well as tips to help you regain your libido

We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.

Please do also call our helpline if you any further questions or just want to talk things through. The helpline team have time to listen and can signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001). If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Best wishes

Victoria

Breast Care Nurse

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