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Have Had Breast Cancer, Ovaries Removed And On Menopause. Having Painful Sex. Is There Anything To Get Cured?
Posted on
Sun, 22 Jul 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 22 Jul 2012
Answered on
Wed, 8 Aug 2012
Last reviewed on
Question : My question is a women's health one. I am 55 have had breast CA & as a result had my ovaries removed & so was thrust into menopause. Since them having sex has been painful. I've tried every lube avaialble witout sucess. Seems to be a problem with atrophrication. Is there anything I can use to rejuvinate the walls of my vagina or to streatch them GENTLY without injuring myself?
Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question.
I am sorry about your situation but I would also like to congratulate you on being a breast cancer survivor. You are right, this is definitely related to "vaginal atrophy" which is related to the removal of your ovaries. Obviously, you cannot be on estrogen, but here are some thoughts:
1. Consider Vagifem, a 10mcg vaginal estrogen tablet inserted 2-3 times weekly. Its minimal absorption of estrogen into the bloodstream means it might be a safe choice for you, despite your history. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
2. There is a longer acting lubricant called Replens made by KY. It is longer acting than the usual lubricants used with intercourse.
3. You can obtain a series of vaginal dilators from your GYN and I would strongly recommend that you ask about these
4. Combine the use of Replens with the dilators and you should see an improvement, it might just take a while
It was a pleasure assisting you. Should you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If my answer met your needs, kindly accept it so I can receive credit. Thank you for your attention, and best of luck!
I am sorry about your situation but I would also like to congratulate you on being a breast cancer survivor. You are right, this is definitely related to "vaginal atrophy" which is related to the removal of your ovaries. Obviously, you cannot be on estrogen, but here are some thoughts:
1. Consider Vagifem, a 10mcg vaginal estrogen tablet inserted 2-3 times weekly. Its minimal absorption of estrogen into the bloodstream means it might be a safe choice for you, despite your history. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
2. There is a longer acting lubricant called Replens made by KY. It is longer acting than the usual lubricants used with intercourse.
3. You can obtain a series of vaginal dilators from your GYN and I would strongly recommend that you ask about these
4. Combine the use of Replens with the dilators and you should see an improvement, it might just take a while
It was a pleasure assisting you. Should you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If my answer met your needs, kindly accept it so I can receive credit. Thank you for your attention, and best of luck!
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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