Libido is lousy and ...

[R.B.]

There are quite a few threads over the years discussing this issue generally, including this one in case you have not seen it, and of any relevance.


There is a very poignant poem I saw on another board, Cancer Lynx on this thread.


http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...light=bone+dry


http://www.cancerlynx.com/bonedry.html


This thread appears in diet and nutrition


http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=46532


There are others too from what I recall.

[IrvineFriend]

Regarding UTI's, they are more common during chemo. I still enjoy regular sex, especially when chemo sick as it takes my mind off the discomfort of that. But I always shower before sex, use antibacterial soap, urinate beforehand and immediately afterward. Sounds like a lot of work but a small price to pay to have some sense of normalcy in my life and avoid another doctor appt. I also limit actual intercourse timewise to decrease the chance of a UTI. So boyfriend has to really get on with it!

[AlaskaAngel]

Ospemifene was recently approved for menopausal women with vulvar/vaginal atrophy (dryness and thin tissue), and the trial results were favorable for dealing with VVA.

However, it is not recommended for breast cancer patients in that it has not been thoroughly tested for breast cancer patients. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (which is what tamoxifen is), but it is not used for preventing breast cancer recurrence like tamoxifen is. (I have no idea why not, but if anyone else does I hope they will explain why not. Lani??)

[kvogler]

Just curious because I didn't see the answer after reading this thread.......did any of you get your periods back after treatment and if so, did you find some of these vaginal issues improved some? I'm 36 so I might get periods again, or maybe not. I'm going to ask my onc what she suggests also for my case. I'm not ready to call it quits on this part of my life too! Darn it all.

[6Cats]

Julie,
You limit the "time"?? How long is too long?

Does this mean your boyfriend actually enjoys it when you have chemo? lol

[LeahM]

Kvogler, my chemo ended in Oct. My period came back mid Jan. I started tamoxifen Jan 29 and have gotten my period twice more since then. Completely irregular. And the tamox dries me up like the Sahara. Even tampons are painful.
Probably not what you wanted to hear but it's the (my) truth.
All the best
Leah

[norkdo]

OK. If everyone is embarrassed but still suggesting solutions I will add my help here. Don't bother with KY jelly. It doesnt last. it is like glue. Use a silicone based lubricant. thinner and much much much more long lasting. Seriously a different world from KY. Go to the Naughty but Nice store or whatever it is called there in the States at your local mall.
http://ca.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_150/188b_love_tip.

Also, tell the husband that you want to make out (after you buy the product) using the lube all over your legs and torso but you have to be the only one who initiates the attempted penetration and stops it. An experiment. You have to be the one with no fear of penetration if you get warmed up.

[europa]

ASTROGLIDE! I have been trying different things and hands down, ASTROGLIDE. it is water based but it lasts. And if you dry up with it you just need to have a spray bottle with WARM water. Just a little spritz on your man's thingy and you are back in business.
BUT do not use too much because it will be a slippery and noisy mess.

[starwishn2]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've written them down and am going to check them out. I love that so many are not shy to write about their situations and what has been tried.