Breast cancer survivors might have intimacy issues
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>An IU study has found that young female survivors of breast cancer tend to have intimacy and sexual issues in their relationships and are interested in sexual enhancement products to curb these tendencies.The study, “Young Female Breast Cancer Survivors: Their sexual function and interest in sexual enhancement products and services,” was funded by the Patty Brisben Foundation, a nonprofit, charitable organization aimed at improving the quality of life for women.According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 2 million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States today. This increase in survivors is due to advances in technology that make early detection and treatment increasingly effective, according to an IU press release. Of the 115 women under 50 years old surveyed in the study, a significant number of women reported signs of sexual complications. These symptoms included vaginal dryness, genital pain, premature menopause, fatigue and fertility problems, according to the press release. Many women also experienced significant problems associated with sexual arousal, desire and orgasms.Many of these symptoms are attributed to the effects of radiology and other cancer treatments. However, some of the symptoms are psychological. “A lot of the survivors have an altered body image which may impact their sexuality and cause anxiety, depression or other hormonal symptoms that are surely psychological,” said Jessica Johnston, executive director of the Patty Brisben Foundation.Most of the women surveyed reported an interest in using sexual enhancement products to help treat these issues. Many were interested in using personal lubricants or massage lotions and oils. Half of the women surveyed were interested in using vibrators or dildos and more than one-third were interested in sex games, according to the press release.Generally speaking, the women in the study also indicated a certain level of comfort in purchasing sexual enhancement products. Many preferred obtaining these products through in-home parties or during their regular breast cancer support group meetings. The women in the study were less comfortable purchasing from adult Web sites and adult bookstores or novelty stores, but were not entirely opposed to utilizing these outlets, according to the press release.These outlets, researchers conclude, are some of the options that nurses, doctors and support group leaders give as recommendations to clients in need. While many options exist, how a woman chooses to aid her sexual ailments is personal and varies in each case. “It’s whatever works,” Johnston said. “Sexual health is such an important part of a woman’s life.”As more and more people survive this disease, quality of life issues for survivors must be addressed. It seems that healthcare providers need to focus on post-cancer needs more than ever before and make sure the more uncomfortable issues, such as sexuality, according to the study.“Sexuality is an issue that many patients and healthcare providers find challenging to discuss with each other,” said Debby Herbenick, lead researcher and associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. “Learning, as a society, to comfortably discuss sexuality and deal with sexual issues will likely have far-reaching benefits for people, including cancer survivors.”