This subject is one that aggravates me the most. Never once did any of my doctors talk to me about this proactively. It seems like we are all made to feel like we are alone. I can only speak for myself, but I wish the treating doctors would be more upfront so that it can be dealt with quicker. It certainly does effect the quality of life, especially for us women who were pre menopausal before treatment and were pushed into it. Very Very frustrating!

Google on DHEA. It's a hormone created by the adrenal glands, and as we naturally age we create less of it. And since it's not estrogen-related, it's safe.

My Onc allowed me to try Estring. It is a vaginal estrogen ring that stays in place for 3 months at a time. EVen though I am estrogen positive, they said it is safe. All the other lubricants did nothing. This does not restore drive, but it reduced the pain enough so that it is possible. While it is nothing like it used to be, at least I am able to have some type of sex life.

I had that just after chemo ended and when I started Tamoxifen but I went off [[treatment:Tamoxifen:540f562a[[phone:8608758280000445]] 6:]] months later and my periods came back about a year after that, which helped. I'm afraid if they hadn't returned my drive and lubrication wouldn't have either. At some point it is about YOU and what you want and need. Your wellness and peace are paramount to forcing a painful experience upon you. Have you talked to a healthcare professional about this? Someone trained in intimacy after and during cancer? It might help if you want to pursue it.

YES! REPLENS is one of the insertable lubes. The other I like is the KY LIQUIBEADS. Both work just great. I just try to insert the lube anywhere from 1/2 hour to a couple hours before. But beware you may need to use a minipad or something if you plan on doing anything else BEFORE having sex. You'll be pretty slippery. (Makes me think of those sweats I see the kids wear that say "JUICY" across the back waistband." ;-) LOL!