Vaginal stenosis

Hi there!

I am currently looking into this topic as I'm sure I wont escape this radiation side effect. I saw my gynecologist and he mentioned estrogen cream (prescription not otc) and vaginal dilators. Because I'm not quite finished treatment (2 radiation zaps to go!), he isn't recommending I do anything just yet. Have you seen your gynecologist? Others have also recommended physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floor therapy? Have you looked into this?  I am not sure I'm much help at this stage, but figured I could share what I know!

-Amy

Hi. I haven't been on this board in quite a while but check every year or so to offer encouragement.  I am 6 years post treatment and doing very well.  My vaginal stenosis improved considerably after starting bioidentical hormones about 3 months post treatment.   All symptoms of menopause improved greatly as well. (After much research I would never consider synthetic hormone replacement therapy.)

But it does take some time so don't put too much pressure on yourself.  When my doctor told me just to have a lot of sex, I was a little offended and thought he was nuts considering the condition of my burned vagina.  But actually, in retrospect, it wasn't bad advice.  Again, it takes some time and being kind to yourself.

Six years later, I am just as good sexually as I used to be prior to treatment.  It's even better probably because I am relieved to be back to the old me and GRATEFUL.

On another note -- I wish I would have started a consistent yoga practice during treatment to help with the stresses of having cancer in general and to help me live and appreciate 'the present.'  Restorative yoga is a beautiful thing and 6 years later  I know that my hips and pelvic region have tightened significantly -- much of it it do to radiation, I am sure.  Yoga has helped me TREMENDOUSLY in improving flexibility, etc.  So don't wait like me, START NOW.  

And on a closing note, I am in the best shape of my life at 53 years old.  I will have my International Assoc of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) teaching certification in May with the plans to teach cancer survivors.  I just started kayaking and cycling on a weekly basis.  My point is not to 'brag' but to show survivros that ANYthing is possible after cancer.  It won't define you unless you let it.   

With much love,

Angela

angela k said:

Candid comments

Hi. I haven't been on this board in quite a while but check every year or so to offer encouragement.  I am 6 years post treatment and doing very well.  My vaginal stenosis improved considerably after starting bioidentical hormones about 3 months post treatment.   All symptoms of menopause improved greatly as well. (After much research I would never consider synthetic hormone replacement therapy.)

But it does take some time so don't put too much pressure on yourself.  When my doctor told me just to have a lot of sex, I was a little offended and thought he was nuts considering the condition of my burned vagina.  But actually, in retrospect, it wasn't bad advice.  Again, it takes some time and being kind to yourself.

Six years later, I am just as good sexually as I used to be prior to treatment.  It's even better probably because I am relieved to be back to the old me and GRATEFUL.

On another note -- I wish I would have started a consistent yoga practice during treatment to help with the stresses of having cancer in general and to help me live and appreciate 'the present.'  Restorative yoga is a beautiful thing and 6 years later  I know that my hips and pelvic region have tightened significantly -- much of it it do to radiation, I am sure.  Yoga has helped me TREMENDOUSLY in improving flexibility, etc.  So don't wait like me, START NOW.  

And on a closing note, I am in the best shape of my life at 53 years old.  I will have my International Assoc of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) teaching certification in May with the plans to teach cancer survivors.  I just started kayaking and cycling on a weekly basis.  My point is not to 'brag' but to show survivros that ANYthing is possible after cancer.  It won't define you unless you let it.   

With much love,

Angela

 

Angela, your post is very encouraging. I'm 12 years cancer free now, and basically have not 

had any sexual activity during the whole time. My husband passed away a couple of years 

ago. I have recently met someone and we are getting very close. I'm so afraid of any sexual activity 

due to the pain, I have damage from the radiation and although the desire is there, I'm 

so worried that I may not be able to do this. I am encouraged by your 

post and hopefully it will be what I want it to be. Thanks for sharing 

Just finished 6 weeks of radiation. So yes, everything in my fanny is so sore. Adding to the grief of it all, it seems as I have a fissure - a tear between the vagina and the anal canal.

I was originally instructed to use the vagina stretchers a couple of weeks after radiaition fininshed. But now this seems risky. I am yet to see my GP, who I hope will point me in the right direction. 

I was wondering if I should see my rectal surgeon too. So many questions, so much pain.

I would be leery of using dilators now since you suspect a fissure or fistula. So sorry. I hope you can get in soon with your doctors.