Cancer survivors can face a number of sexual issues after treatment, but most cancer centers don’t carry aids that could help them, according to a recent survey.
Many men develop erectile dysfunction (ED) and low testosterone after cancer treatment. For women, treatment often induces medical menopause, leading to low sex drive and poor vaginal lubrication. Stress, anxiety, and depression often associated with cancer and its treatment can impair sexual function, too.
Products like vacuum erection devices and vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help. But such products aren’t always available at cancer centers, and patients may not know where to get them.
For the study, a team of researchers contacted twenty-five cancer centers and asked about the aids they carried for patients with sexual dysfunction. Information for men and women was gathered in separate phone calls.
Two centers did not respond to inquiries.
About 87% of the responding centers did not stock any sexual aids for men. One of them had a vacuum device, and two offered penile support rings.
Six centers sold aids for women, such as moisturizers, lubricants, and vaginal dilators.
Only one center had an adequate supply of aids for both men and women.
When asked how they responded to requests for sexual health aids, many centers said they referred patients to local pharmacies or the internet.
The authors noted that the availability of sexual health products is “very low,” especially compared to other items used by cancer survivors, like wigs and prosthetics.
“The stark absence of sexual aids underscores the cultural taboos around cancer-related sexual dysfunction,” they wrote. “Efforts to improve availability of sexual aids for survivors would likely promote sexual health rehabilitation and validate this under addressed aspect of cancer survivorship.”
The study findings were presented in February at the 2018 Cancer Survivorship Symposium, held by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando, Florida.
For more information on sexual health following cancer treatment, please see these links:
The Effects of Cancer on Women’s Sexuality
How Does Cancer Affect Men’s Sexual Health?
Resources
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Bober, Sharon, et al.
“Availability of therapeutic sexual aids for cancer survivors: A survey of major cancer centers.”
(Abstract presented at ASCO 2018 Cancer Survivorship Symposium, February 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida)
https://meetinglibrary.asco.org/record/157917/abstract
Healio.com
Stevens, Melinda
“Cancer centers lack aids to improve sexual dysfunction among survivors”
(February 15, 2018)
https://www.healio.com/hematology-oncology/practice-management/news/online/%7B65f587e8-e545-4a96-942d-3cc4a53709db%7D/cancer-centers-lack-aids-to-improve-sexual-dysfunction-among-survivors
Medscape Medical News
Pam Harrison
“Despite Need, Cancer Centers Don't Stock Sex Aids”
(February 15, 2018)
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
