Stressful life events are known to have a negative impact on sexual desire and performance.
emotional and physical threats activate our fight-or flight response, and our brains react by decreasing sexual desire and the ability to have sex. The result: We focus our attention and energy to deal with the threat in hand
Similarly, a diagnosis of mesothelioma is a threat to our well-being
In general , diagnosed with cancer .. tends to decrease sexual desire of a patient, also known as libido. However, loss of libido does not necessarily mean a loss of affection for their partners. Libido is often lost because of other cancer symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or uncontrolled pain.
common emotional and psychological factors resulting from cancer, including anxiety, depression and poor body image (hair loss, weight loss, weight gain or healing) also contribute to a loss of libido. For example, men and women with mesothelioma often claim they feel or look ?? unsexy ?? as they undergo treatment for their cancer.
symptoms of treatment, such as hormonal changes induced by chemotherapy, damage and nerve pain, also negatively affect sexual desire.
Although it certainly seems as if the cancer signals the end of sex, men and women have options to enjoy sex again.
How men with mesothelioma can improve their libido
Drugmakers have developed new drugs to help men with erectile dysfunction.
Viagra and Levitra ?? both approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of erectile dysfunction ?? are safe for most patients with cancer.
The accompanying cancer and treatment can lower the testosterone level of a man ?? s. If this is the case, these men can benefit from testosterone injections, gel or cream.
Patients considering these options should discuss with their first oncologist because these drugs are known to have potentially dangerous side effects. They can also interact negatively with existing anticancer drugs.
There are also medical devices that can help men achieve an erection and keep it. Vacuum pumps have been around for years to help men with erectile dysfunction. Penile implants have also shown an improvement in sexual function.
Options to raise the sexual desire of a woman
Chemotherapy drugs can reduce hormone levels of a woman ?? s, which affects sexual desire and enjoyment of sex.
A blood test will determine if hormone levels are affected. A gynecologist can discuss medications that can help to balance hormonal changes.
vaginal atrophy and dryness can also result from chemotherapy and premature menopause. The use of lubricants can help women feel more comfortable during sex. vaginal dilators can also ease vaginal atrophy. Gynecologists can make recommendations on the right type of lubricant or dilator to use.
Advice for couples on how to Revive Libido
sex therapy and couples counseling to address the psychological and emotional factors that affect intimacy and sex.
While anxiety and stress are normal psychological states for anyone diagnosed with a serious illness, some mesothelioma patients may develop sexual performance anxiety ?? a constant and overwhelming concern about your performance in bed
body image issues may contribute to performance anxiety sexual health. Most people think that women are those who suffer primarily from body image problems related to cancer, but there are many men with cancer who also obsess about how they appear to their partners, especially if they have lost or gained weight.
Counseling can provide strategies to manage anxiety so that patients and their partners are more comfortable and relaxed during intimate moments.
couples who have been together a long time usually develop habits or routines in their sex lives. They know what their tastes and partners no longer feel the need to experiment sexually. However, if mesothelioma has affected the ability ?? s patient to exercise or enjoy sex, couples should try different ways of engaging in sex or show affection.
They may have to spend more time talking and touching to get in the mood. Other couples do not feel to engage in sex, but still want to feel close. Holding hands, rub lotion on your partner ?? s shoulders or feet, cuddling in bed and kisses are as many ways couples can stay physically close.
Maybe discuss different positions to avoid pain or fatigue.
it is important to remember that privacy is important during cancer treatment because it keeps a sense of normalcy. But it is undeniable that cancer can be difficult to have a normal sex life.
couples willing to talk about their feelings and desires, while being open to trying new ways to have sex, can stay physically and emotionally close because both travel in this difficult journey.
