How chemotherapy can affect sex
Chemotherapy, or chemo, is often given through an intravenous (IV) tube, which sends it through a vein right into the bloodstream. But sometimes the drugs are sent right to the tumor. For cancer of the bladder, for example, the chemo drug is put right into the bladder through a small, soft tube called a catheter. Treatment like this usually only has a minor effect on a woman’s sex life. But she may notice some pain if she has sex too soon after treatment. This is because the bladder and urethra may still be irritated from the drugs.
Women with tumors in the pelvis may get chemo by pelvic infusion. In this case, the drugs are put into the arteries that feed the tumor and give an extra-strong dose to the genital area. Since this method is fairly new, doctors do not yet know the long-term effects on a woman’s sex life.
Another way of giving chemo is by intraperitoneal infusion – the drugs are put into the space around the organs in the belly. This extra fluid causes the abdomen (belly) to swell. The drugs and liquid are then drained back out after a short period of time.
It’s very important to ask your doctor or nurse when you can have sex and what precautions you need to take while getting chemo.
#sexdrive #chemotherapy #iamstillawoman #survivor #cancer
Comments
Post a Comment