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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Jasper, TN

I am 33 yrs old. I have recently had a bilateral masectomy (they took my girls lol) I haven't started chemo yet only two days away.... I was wondering is there anything you ladies have found to help boost your sex drive during this roller coaster ride we are on?

October 28, 2012
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A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Jamie. Hester Hill Schnipper wrote this in Cancer Today. She has a 1/2 dozen tips:
http://www.cancertodaymag.org/Fall2012/Pages/ca...

Here are her suggestions:
1) It is most important that you and your partner find a way to talk without shame or blame. You may find it helpful to identify a neutral, caring and well-informed person who can help you do this. If your doctor is not well-educated on this topic or seems uncomfortable with sexual issues, ask for a referral to an oncology social worker or another therapist with expertise. Your doctor can still help with questions about sexually related side effects of medications, surgery or other treatments.

2) If a woman is experiencing discomfort with intercourse, there are many products that can be helpful with lubrication. Position also matters: Those in which the woman can control the depth and rhythm (for instance, with the woman on top, or side-to-side) may help.

3) Remember that many medications are available to help men with erectile dysfunction. They usually work well.

4) Your body has been changed by cancer treatment. You may need to relearn what gives you pleasure. Experiment at your own pace.

5) Some women may want to invest in beautiful lingerie to wear to bed if they feel self-conscious about
scars or other cancer changes. Naked is not necessary.

6) Try to move the focus away from intercourse and orgasms to intimacy. Think of other ways to feel close and loving: Shower together, exchange back or foot rubs, snuggle while you watch a movie or simply go to sleep holding hands.

October 29, 2012
A MyBCTeam Member

Lingerie helps- I splurged on a lovely Mastectomy nightgown.

March 20, 2016

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