/ Updated November 23rd, 2022

Reclaiming Sexual Desire After Ovarian Cancer

Creator: Dr. Daynelle Dedmond
Published: 2020-05-18T17:26:52-04:00

Medical Source: Dr. Daynelle Dedmond
Centura Health

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Hormonal changes and emotions may affect your libido

Following a diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer, some women may notice a drop in their sex drive.
Although surgical treatment can cause hormonal changes that affect sexual desire, the psychological aspect may play a greater part.
Open communication with your doctor and partner are key to bringing sexuality back into your life.

Though everyone’s journey with ovarian cancer is different, it's quite common for women to experience a "fight or flight" response after a diagnosis, where surviving each day is the primary concernand sexual pleasure is not. Doctors say this fight or flight mindset will usually taper off within six months of completing treatment. But that doesn't mean that a desire for intimacy will pick right back up, or you'll be ready for sex right away.

"Patients often ask me, as far as their sexual health, why has my libido changed?" says Dr. Daynelle Dedmond, gynecologic oncologist with Centura Health. "And that’s a very complicated question. Libido isn't something simple, especially in women. For men, it’s very hormonally regulated, but in women there’s a large psychological aspect that doesn’t always have to do with your hormones."

Following ovarian cancer surgery, many women, if they haven't already gone through menopause, may experience hormonal changes that can bring about menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty achieving orgasm â€¦ and loss of sexual interest. But, says Dedmond, "95% is really their mood, their emotional state, and how they feel about their bodytheir new body image," which can include the loss of reproductive organs, surgical scars, weight gain, or hair loss.

Some women say they no longer see themselves as a sexual being because of all the physical changes. Or they're afraid that their partner will no longer be attracted to them.

If these are issues for you, don't be embarrassed to talk to your oncologist about your concerns and challenges. He or she may be able to refer you to a therapist who could be helpful to talk to about strategies for boosting your libido, and for re-introducing sexuality back into your life.

Of course open communication with your partner is also key. This means letting them know how you feel, how they can support you and help you feel more confident, and also to allay their fears about having sex, and whether it will be painful. If both you and your partner are on the same page, many doctors say there's a good chance that, for the most part, you'll likely be able to have sex in the same way as you did before treatment.

And keep an open mind. Sexual activity doesn't have to be black and white or fit anyone else's definition of pleasure. Explore what it means to you and to your partner. Intercourse isn't everything. After all, there are other ways to give and receiveit just takes some patience and creativity. Think of it as a new chapter or way for you and your partner to bond.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

Dr. Daynelle Dedmond is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist with Centura Health. Read More

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