Reclaiming Intimacy FAQ- 3

February 26, 2019

Summary:

These frequently asked questions fall in to the general category when dealing with cancer, treatment and recovery we have been asked at Reclaiming Intimacy Through HOPE.

Why do cancer patients often experience sexual side effects?

A major cause of these issues is physical damage or changes to your body from the cancer treatment. Radiation or surgery in the pelvic and abdominal areas can make sexual activity and intimacy painful or difficult and may damage blood vessels or nerves critical for male performance.

In women, chemotherapy may cause premature menopause, and hormone therapies can be linked to discomfort or pain. Aside from physical causes, a cancer patient’s emotional state can affect sexual and intimate desire. These problems can be worse in couples without open sexual communication who are not working together to heal and overcome from these obstacles.

How can sexual problems affect the cancer experience?

Losing the desire for sex or feeling unlovable can add to the grief and anger that cancer patients may feel. It is very difficult to persevere through the hard times feeling alone. While caregivers and partners are not physically affected by the treatments, they share the emotional burden of sexual problems alongside their partner.

Couples may stop showing affection and discussing their worries, creating a larger valley in their relationship. Fertility concerns also can cause anxiety, fear, stress and worry. These can all strain relationships, which are important sources of strength for those working to heal from and overcome cancer.

What treatment options are available to cancer patients dealing with sexual problems?

The best therapy for cancer-related sexual problems is a combination of medical treatment and brief counseling, whether alone or with your partner present. The specific treatment will vary for the type of cancer you are dealing with. In some cases where intimacy and sexual related issues are causing undue stress, a sex therapist or sexual wellness expert can be sought out to help with the deeper, buried issues that could also be contributing to the problems. Our Reclaiming Intimacy Through HOPE team members are always available to help you work through your questions to get the answers you need to persevere.

Why don’t more patients and survivors seek out assistance?

It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about sexuality, our sexual desires and needs. Many people are afraid to bring it up due to cultural taboos or because they do not realize how common these problems are and discussing them openly would help others feel comfortable and empowered to discuss them as well. Doctors are familiar with these issues, but do not always take or have the time to explain and expand on these concerns or issues. To help yourself heal and reclaim your intimacy, always ask your questions!

What information do you offer to help cancer patients cope with sexual issues?

Our Reclaiming Intimacy Through HOPE center currently offer a resource library, educational webinars and workshops, PDF packets, therapeutic sexual aides and more. We offer personalized classes and services geared towards your ailments and type of cancer. Because the world of cancer is always changing and becoming more involved, we are always updating our facts and content to bring the most important and valuable information to help empower and inform you.

We offer an extensive array of therapeutic aids to assist in your desire to reclaim your intimacy and sexual self. Here are some of the therapeutic aids we offer:

For women:

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Revitalize– helps with vaginal health and many other issues.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Rejuvenate– helps with vaginal health and many other issues.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Strengthen– helps to strengthen vaginal walls, muscles and the pelvic floor.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Whisper– helps to regain feeling and nerve sensations in the breast and chest areas.

For men:

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Enhance– helps to maintain and strengthen an erection.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Retain– helps to maintain and strengthen an erection.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Extend– a hollow strap-on device made to help with erection difficulty and sexual function.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Empower– is designed to help with erection support, girth enhancement and general erection difficulties.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Titan– is designed for males with erectile dysfunction and aids in erection and orgasm assistance.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Commander– is designed to aide in erection capabilities with a water-based pump.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Colossus– is designed to aide in erection capabilities with a water-based pump.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Leviathan– is a basic penis pump designed to aid with getting and maintaining an erection.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Intensify– is an introductory kit introducing you to the benefits from anal pleasure and stimulation.

For everyone:

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Flourish– a water-based, moisturizing lubrication designed to help with dryness, to create a friction barrier, and to help with sensitive skin during intimate and sexual moments.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Satin– a silicone-based lubrication that is designed to be a thicker, longer-lasting friction barrier and skin moisturizer.

Reclaiming Intimacy’s Lustrous– a hybrid lubrication designed to help moisturize and lubricate sensitive skin.

More information on each of these products can be found in various articles and in our resource library, or by contacting our Reclaiming Intimacy Through HOPE team with your questions.

What’s your advice for cancer patients with sexual problems?

Our advice to anyone with cancer, going through treatment, or living with a body that has been altered by cancer in any way is to never give up. Intimacy is a huge part of our whole-being as humans, and something we need in our lives to live life up to the best it has to offer. Be open to having discussions with your partner that might feel a bit embarrassing or uncomfortable knowing that it could help re-pave your path to pleasure. Talk openly with your doctors and nurses about problems that you experience as they arise; do not wait to address things! Sexual health is a vital part of our lives and help make up who we are. Denying yourself your intimate or sexual needs can results in depression, mental health issues, and a much longer path to recovery.

Attending our workshops and webinars with your partner would also be very beneficial for you both. This way your partner can learn right along with you every step of the way and you can both reclaim your intimacy!