Side effects are to be expected with cancer treatments, such as fatigue or nausea. But other possible side effects of cancer treatments are unexpected: painful intercourse and low libido. That's why Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute refers some patients to Dr. Sasha Davenport at Atrium Health Women’s Care Sexual Health for support and treatment.
“Some people might say, ‘Oh, well, you're alive. You made it through cancer.’ But it’s about more than that. It’s not just about survival, it’s about quality of life,” Davenport says. “Everyone has a different love language, but often one partner's love language is touch. It is an integral part of intimacy that can affect so many other things in couples’ lives.”
The significance of intimacy is so important that the World Health Organization now recognizes sexual health and wellness as a measure of quality of life. Davenport treats an increasing number of patients who experience sexual challenges due to illness or age and who are ready to find solutions.
“The reaction I usually get from patients is, ‘I wish someone talked to me about this earlier,’” Davenport says.
Intimacy and Age
Perimenopause and menopause can cause challenges to intimacy. A life transition that causes both physical changes and psychosocial stress can disrupt sexual health. Davenport shared that about 60% of postmenopausal patients have sexual concerns, whether due to painful intercourse or lowered libido.
“Most people just don't talk about sex. We're socialized not to talk about it,” Davenport says. “So that's the number one thing I tell patients: There is nothing wrong with you. This is very common.”
Davenport tells patients that sex should never be painful. If it is, she can recommend several ways to relieve that pain. She also tells patients that they don’t have to accept a lower libido as “just the way it is.” Davenport meets with women to create individualized plans to help with intimacy based upon the challenges they face and their state of health. Lifestyle changes can also increase sexual wellness, either by easing pain or increasing libido.
“Sleep matters, diet matters, exercise matters, mindfulness matters. Those are all things that are shown to help,” Davenport says. “There are also medications and procedures that we can offer patients for certain conditions.”
Intimacy and Illness
Our bodies and minds work as a complex, interconnected system. That’s why cancer affects sexual health – as do heart conditions, depression, sleep apnea, diabetes and many other conditions. It’s no wonder why so many people face frustrations with intimacy.
The percentage of cancer patients who experience sexual challenges can be as high as 89%, Davenport shares. Sometimes these concerns result from the stress and anxiety related to illness, and other times they’re the result of physical changes due to treatments.
“I’ve had patients who’ve gotten very depressed,” says Davenport. “They really enjoyed having a physical relationship with their partner, but after cancer, it became painful to engage in any type of sexual activity.”
Davenport works with patients to create a multimodal treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, lubrications or in-office procedures to correct any physical changes that have occurred.
“Patients tell me that they’re thrilled because they feel like getting part of their lives back,” Davenport says. “They regain control and can share intimacy again.”
Intimacy and Communication
The most important way to address anxiety about intimacy is through communication. By sharing how you feel with a doctor or a partner, these concerns become something to overcome – not to merely accept.
“When my patients come in, they’re often nervous. It can feel scary to talk about this, but soon, they’re completely at ease,” Davenport says. “Sometimes they’ll bring partners with them, and I’ve had couples tell me that they’ve never had an honest conversation about these topics. They had no idea that they have so many tools they can use. Knowledge is empowering.”
Interested in learning more about our Women’s Care Clinic for Sexual Health? Ask your doctor for a referral, or if you’re a returning patient, please call 704-304-1176.
