The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Vaginally stenosis

kimmy7589
kimmy7589 CSN Member Posts: 3
in Anal Cancer #1

No one has talked about vaginal stenosis which is scar tissue from the radiation. This made any kind of penetration painful. My radiologist gave me vaginal dilators in different sizes.

Like 1Care

Comments

  • b3strong
    b3strong CSN Member Posts: 6 Member
    #2

    This is a very common side effect of the Nigro treatment for anal cancer. All of the women I know with anal cancer had this outcome, including me in 2012. (We were a part of the Blog For A Cure anal cancer blog which retired a few years back.) The younger you are, if you use the dilators, then it seems stenosis marginally improves over time or may be resolved altogether for some. I was 56 at the time and could not bring myself to use the dilators enough to improve the situation. I opted to go with ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation from my GYN about 10 months after the end of chemo-radiation which gave me significant improvement. And, I think the younger you are the more ThermiVa helps. Downside is ThermiVa is pricey. I really wish insurance companies would come on board and cover vaginal rejuvenation as part of recovery costs. By the way, if they gave you the hard wax dilators in 3 sizes, know that there are better alternatives (e.g. the Milli dilator). Good luck to you and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

    Like 1Care
  • mis714
    mis714 CSN Member Posts: 3 Member
    #3

    Have the same problem :( im trying dilator as well. Wen I went gyno she said basically 'if u don't use it...ya lose it' and said to keep trying. It does hurt but getting lil better. I broke up w bf in 2023 but haven't sex since 2022. Which is Not like me at all. It's very disheartening. But ya gotta stay positive n keep stretching. I went to pt for pelvic floor therapy and it taught me abunch of exercises....look into it

    Like 1Care
  • SimplyRedeemed
    SimplyRedeemed CSN Member Posts: 2 *
    #4

    same here. Dialatirs help but still can’t have sex. I’ve consulted with a urogynocologist and she prescribed estriodiol cream & considering laser therapy.

    Like Care
  • SimplyRedeemed
    SimplyRedeemed CSN Member Posts: 2 *
    #5

    Intimate Rose dilators are great as well

    Like Care

Discussion Boards