hysterectomy, pelvic radiation sexual side effects?

Sorry about Michelle's condition and best wishes to both of you. You can read about sexual side effects of gyno cancer and treatment in detail http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/sexualsideeffectsinwomen/sexualityforthewoman/index.

It's not uncommon for chemo and radiation to trigger menopause. Oophorectomy always means menopause. Total hysterectomy (incl. cervix) means shorter vaginal sleeve length. Natural lubrication will decrease or disappear. She will still be able to reach clitoral and G-spot orgasm, maybe not every time, but it might take longer foreplay and lots of lube. Orgasms will not be like before, without uterus contractions they are shorter and shallower. Sometimes pelvic radiation causes vaginal burns and pain with intercouse. You might want to ask her radiologist about using vaginal dilators during and after radiation. Cancer diagnosis, chemo, radiation and surgery, all may cause depression, fatigue and lower / absent libido in some but not all women.

What will really happen is pretty unpredictable and depends on Michelle's overall physical, mental and emotional status. I suspect that this issue will quickly stop being a priority for her once she starts treatment. Let her take the lead and she will tell you when she is again ready for vaginal intercourse. And obviously there are other ways to be sexual until she heals and gets used to the "new normal".

Having said that it is fully possible to maintain active sex life during chemo and after hysterectomy. I did. Not quite as satisfying as before cancer, but active. However I have not had radiation.

nevadavox said:

Thank you!

Dear Alexandra ~

Thank you for your helpful (and fast) response! Michelle and I really appreciate any illumination we can get on the subject, and it means a lo to hear from others out there who have gone through it and are willing to talk about it. She is (only a little) heartened to learn that orgasm is still possible, even if shallower, as you say. I am not putting any agenda on her with this -- it's more about what she's afraid of losing, and I don't blame her.

Thank you also for the link. This is a great community, and we're grateful for it.

Sorry to hear about the rather large tumor.  Wow how large is it?  Sure be nice to get out during the hysterectomy, but thankfully there are alternatives to shrink it, as with radiation..  

I as well was diagnosed '09 with stage 3c MMMT cancer, found in 1 pelvic lymph node. I had chemo and 33 rounds of pelvic radiation.  Unfortunately, it was very difficult for me in terms of my bowels and intestines.  Today still dealing with issues on certain foods that I cannot eat or have side affects.  Radiation will zap that tumor and shrink it, but as with anything related to treatments there are side affects or changes in our bodily makeup.  I was given a dilator to use 3x/week, which I'm not as good with over last year.  It will keep this area open and espeically important, accessable for doc when doing exams.  

When we go thru the change of life -- menopause -- it does tend to dry up that area, therefore, lubricants are necessary.  I use a more natural one with no hormones (which many over the counters have this ingredient) as my cancer is hormone receptive.  Everything else with my sex life in this area is pretty normal.

I'd ask the doc many questions on side affects and if he'd suggest a dilator and recommend a lubricant.  In the scheme of things, the best thing for your partner, reduce that darn tumor ---- the other things will fall into place.  

 Best to you both,

Jan

My own experience has been awful, sorry to say.  I cannot put a happy face on this, sex seems over for me now, barring a miracle.  I am 62, had a happy hetero sex life with my husband until IIIA, hysterectomy, radiation and chemo.  Now I have a heavy vaginal discharge, burning pain, bleeding with dilator, extreme pain with any insertion.  Was not forewarned of any of this. If I was, I would have insisted on a clinical trial instead, despite their insistence on conventional treatment first.  My doctors have no solution, take the attitude I am lucky to be alive.  My advice would be take one treatment or the other, both together compound the problem. Chemo is less destructive to the vagina. I still feel slight orgasm after masturbation, but nothing like before. My husband is very understanding, but I know its hard on him, we both miss sex. Others have had better outcomes, not sure why, I was extremely healthy before all this.    Wendy

Hi all,

I am brand new to this forum and grateful to find a space to share experiences and learn from one another.

I am stage 1B/high grade endo with 85% myometrial invasion and LVSI. I had total hysterctomy in Feb with resulting pathology neg for lymph involvement but positive for very rare giant cell component and majority of tumour made up of undifferient4ed cells. Currently on cycle 4 of carbo/taxol with 2 more to go. Radiation has been recommended but I want to wait til i get through the chemo to decide.

After much research I came across some compelling evidence for adding metformin to the chemo protocol. I now have a script from my GP -she was hesitant to give it to me with concern about over-stepping my oNcologist. Before I fill the script I will speak with my oncologist. However,I am at a major cancer centre and  my concern is that they are so "inside the box" of the carbotaxol protocol they dont support anything else. 

Would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with metformin and endo and advice going forward.