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Cervical Cancer - Treatment And Side effects
Lack of interest or loss of desire for sex : low libido -- is common during cancer treatment.
In some cases, rather than the course of treatment, it can be triggered by anxiety and worry about
your diagnosis. Usually, after treatment, libido returns.
Temporary pain: During radiotherapy treatment you can have sex if it feels comfortable. You will
need to wait a few weeks before having sex again after a hysterectomy. Kissing, cuddling, and touching
can all be enjoyable in the interim.
Vaginal dryness: The main effect of treatment will be on your vagina. If the ovaries have been
affected by surgery or radiotherapy the production of oestrogen will drop or stop. The loss of oestrogen
may make your vagina dry and it may not expand as easily during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal shortening: Radiotherapy may also shorten and narrow the vagina. This may make intercourse
uncomfortable but it usually does not affect your ability to reach orgasm.
Tips
- Use a plastic tube called a dilator. This is inserted into the vagina several times a week to help
maintain the shape of your vagina. Speak to your nurse for more information.
- Apply a lubricant to relieve painful irritation. Try non-perfumed and water-based products.
- Avoid Vaseline or oil-based lubricants as they may cause irritation.
- Regularly engage in light sex to help open up the vagina.
Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Bowel problems
After surgery and radiotherapy some women may have bowel problems such as wind,
constipation and
diarrhoea for a short time.
Tips
- If you have constipation, eat more
high-fibre foods, such as wholegrain bread and pasta, bran, fruit and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids. This will help loosen the bowels if you have
constipation and replace the fluids
lost through diarrhoea. Warm and hot drinks work well.
- Eat small, frequent snacks instead of big meals.
Bladder problems
After surgery or radiotherapy, some nerves or muscles may not work properly and you may have difficulty
controlling the flow of urine.
Some women find they need to go to the toilet more often or that they frequently need to go in a hurry.
Other women may lose a few drops when they cough, sneeze, strain or lift.For most women bladder problems
are temporary but for a few they may be permanent.
More information
- Contact the continence nurse or physiotherapist at your hospital
- Call the Continence Foundation of Australia on 1800 330 066
Lymphoedema
Removing lymph glands in the pelvic area (lymphadenectomy) may cause one or both of your legs to swell.
This may make movement and some activities difficult.
Tips
- Gently massage the swollen leg towards your heart to move the fluid out to other lymph channels.
- To help with fluid removal, put on special bandages, stockings, or a compression garment.
- Take good care of your skin and nails to prevent infections.skin
- To help move fluid out of the area and into other lymph channels, exercise the leg.
- Avoid injections in your legs.
Fertility problems
After surgery or radiotherapy for cervical cancer, most women are no longer able to have children (infertile).
You may feel less of a woman if you are unable to have children and worry about the impact on your relationship.
These feelings are natural. Share these feelings with your partner, who may also be grieving for the family they
can no longer have.
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