Providing free online community support to people affected by breast cancer
Free Member Signup
Site Search
A member recently messaged me privately to ask about some concerns she had with her intimate relationship – concerns she was not comfortable to ask in a public setting. She is very happy for me to share these concerns in an ‘anonymous’ setting, therefore I am posting these concerns and my response. The query was:
“ I'm just wondering if you might know if Tamoxifen has any negative effects on women sexually? I just find since I've been on it, it seems harder to climax. My partner keeps asking me to ask someone medically, but I've never felt comfortable about talking about it.”
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
Many women experience changes in their sexual relationship through breast cancer surgery and treatments (e.g. lack of sexual desire, fatigue and lack of energy leading to less interest in sex, lack of ability to reach sexual fulfilment, loss of confidence, loss of femininity). Not all women will experience these changes, but many do! And it’s a subject that many are not sure how to raise with others, i.e. health professionals, family & friends, other women who’ve had breast cancer treatments, and often partners too .. which may cause additional strain and worry!
Libido (sexual desire) can be a complex issue – often involving much more than just physiological changes. Many aspects may affect our feelings, emotions and responses sexually. Often the most powerful influence on a woman’s libido is her own brain! – i.e. sense of attractiveness, femininity, feeling comfortable with her body, her relationship, the situation .. the list is endless. We are all very individual .. as are our relationships. Partners too may be affected by their own fears and uncertainties.
Many factors in life are well-known to influence these changes – menopause is a very common one! Breast cancer treatments may induce early menopause, or may worsen menopause symptoms. For some women this is not concerning (for a variety of reasons) .. for others it is.
In years gone by this was not discussed with women and just placed in the ‘too hard basket’! Even though this is often still not ‘readily discussed’, this IS recognised as a very significant and important part of life for many women. Determining the cause is the first step to finding solutions, and having opportunities to explore causes is the most important first step to take.
As this may be different for different women, seeking appropriate assessment and counselling is fundamental. In WA a clinic has been set up to address these (and other) such concerns, and explore possible solutions. The ‘Menopausal Symptoms After Cancer’ (MSAC) clinic is located at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Subiaco. In other states similar clinics or services are available – check with your breast care nurse, treating team, GP or Cancer Council. Other services such as psychologists, relationship counsellors and sex therapists may also be valuable in finding solutions.
The most important message is not to suffer in silence .. discussing with the right person may help to ease or resolve these factors
The MSAC clinic and other support services are listed in ‘Resources’ on this site.
Information booklets are available to view from websites:
Cancer Council (local state site – search ‘sexuality and women’), or call 13 11 20
Breast Cancer Network Australia (search ‘breast cancer & sexuality’)
Please feel free to add comments, or message me privately if any other queries ..
This post was edited by Glenys at February 8, 2012 11:35:26 PM WATime"The Click Breast Care Nurse
40 year old lady. Diagnosed on 03/04/2012. 20 mm DCIS. Nodes are clear.
The Click Breast Care Nurse
35 YO. Diagnosed 4/06/2012. Wide excision left breast. 15 mm high grade DCIS with extensive areas of central necrosis. Nodes are clear. Margins are clear. Recommended Radiation followed by Tamoxifen. Treatment not commenced.
The Click Breast Care Nurse
The Click Breast Care Nurse
Family affected by breast cancer & other cancers - PeoplePledge team member: Help your loved ones get quality medical care by raising funds in 30 days with crowdfunding
Hi Rhondaperky. You asked if Tamoxifen affects sexuality. I have been on Tamoxifen for eight months and it has made no difference to my sex life, which I am very happy aboout.
Regards
Jado
68 YO mother of two adult daughters. DX April 2012. Ca right breast. 10mm Grade 2. IDC. 0/2 nodes. ER/PR pos. Nodes clear. Wide local excision. Radiotherapy 6 weeks. Tamoxifen to be taken for 5 years. Moderate breast lymphoedema continuing, now Oct 2014..
