When you are done with cancer treatment, you may feel relieved and excited to start a new chapter in your life. It can be a promising moment.
However, treatment itself may have side effects that last for years, in ways that you may not expect. For example, chemotherapy may have an effect on your memory or ability to communicate. Or you may feel tired much of the time, no matter how much you rest.
Fortunately, help is available for many of these issues through cancer rehabilitation. The purpose of cancer rehabilitation is to help you adapt to life after cancer and reconstructed skills that can be weakened by treatment.
Cancer rehabilitation can also be applied to sexual health. Let’s look at some examples.
Erectile dysfunction
Some men develop erectile dysfunction (ED) after cancer treatment. ED is particularly common in men who had a radical prostatectomy (prostate surgical removal) to treat prostate cancer. The rehabilitation of the penis aims to restore erectile function. Medicines – such as pills, injections and suppositories – are used to cause erections, so that the penis can be “practiced” again.
Vaginal stenosis and dryness
Treatment for gynecological cancers and colon cancer, including surgery and radiation, can make the vagina smaller, narrower and dry. A specialist can teach women how to use vaginal dilators. The dilators are plastic pipes that usually come in a set, gradually increasing the size one by one. During treatment, the dilators are placed in the vagina to enlarge it. Experts can also advise lubricants to make the penetration more comfortable.
Sexual pain and incontinence
The pelvic floor muscles are sometimes compared to a “hammock” that holds your pelvic organs in place. Some treatments for cancer, such as radiation and surgery, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to incontinence, painful sex and erectile dysfunction. A physiotherapist can help patients recover the strength in the pelvic area to improve symptoms.
Emotional and psychological health
Treating sexual issues after treatment of cancer can affect self -esteem. You may worry about your attractiveness after surgery, feel anxious about sexual pain or fight to communicate your needs to your partner.
Therapists who are trained to work with cancer survivors can help you and your partner adapt to any changes in your relationship. A consultant can also help you re -think your sexual confidence and propose adjustments and strategies to improve your sexual satisfaction.
Other aspects
Sometimes, cancer treatment affects the parts and functions of the body that you may not immediately associate with sex. Here are some examples:
- Speech. The radiation used to treat head and neck cancers can affect a person’s ability to speak. Speech therapy helps to restore this feature, making it easy for you to talk to a partner or to continue a discussion on a first date.
- Fatigue. Cancer treatment can be exhaustive and can be difficult to concentrate on sex and relationships. Experts can help patients recover their energy levels through exercise and education.
- Peripheral neuropathy. Chemotherapy often leads to peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage to areas such as hands, legs and genitals. When this happens, it becomes more difficult for the brain to send sexual stimulation messages. Professional and physiotherapy may not deal with sexuality immediately, but recovery of nerves could help sex.
- Balance and walking. Physical therapy and exercise programs help patients regain their balance and avoid falls, allowing them to enjoy more activities with their partner, even if they are just a just walk in the park.
Which services are available to me?
To find out more about cancer rehabilitation for your personal status, start by talking to the oncology group or the healthcare provider. They can refer you to specialists who work with surviving cancer.
It is also a good idea to talk to your health insurer. Cover for cancer rehabilitation services can vary from carrier to carrier. Be specific about the services you need and be sure to understand the details of your coverage. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand.
Resources
Cancernetwork.com
Smith, Lori, BSN, MSN, CRNP
“Copic stenosis caused by radiation”
(July 20, 2012)
Conquer-magazine.com
Howe, Nancy Litterman, MS, CES
“Is Cancer Rehabilitation a good choice for you? It’s never too late to ask for a referral “
(October 2019)
International Society for Sexual Medicine
“What does a penis recovery program include (PRP)?”
“What is a penis recovery program (PRP)?”
Sexhealthmatters.org
‘How can cancer treatment affect sexual function’
‘Neuropathy a common cause of ed’
(29 July 2015)
Health Sciences at the University of West Virginia
Phillips, Kristin A., PT/DPT, WCS, CLT-LANA
“Pelvic soil Physical Therapy and oncology population: Management
The symptoms of the disease and its treatments “
