Feminine cancers--which involve the endometrium, ovaries, and cervix--are ranked fourth in prevalence among women (after breast, colon, and lung cancers). Although many of today's treatments--hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy--can effectively treat these diseases, they often can cause uncomfortable side effects that can affect a woman's self-esteem and sense of femininity, indicates Pat Love, author of The Truth About Love and an advisor to the Vagisil Women's Health Center.

More than 12,000,000 women in the U.S. have had hysterectomies and/or their ovaries removed, often to treat disorders of the reproductive system, including cancer. When the uterus is removed, a woman no longer menstruates. Surgery may include the removal of diseased ovaries, eliminating the source of estrogen and inducing menopause. This may cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and discomfort, and painful intercourse. For some patients, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended right after surgery and may help to eliminate those side effects. However, for most women, HRT may not be appropriate. For them, a nonhormonal moisturizer can provide relief for vaginal dryness and discomfort.

"After undergoing a hysterectomy, many women fear losing their femininity, or their so-called `feminine mystique,'" says Love. "Part of regaining that normal, feminine feeling can come from regular use of a feminine moisturizer that replaces moisture lost due to the absence of estrogen."

More than 14,000,000 women in the U.S. have undergone chemotherapy, which often causes severe vaginal dryness, especially if the pelvic area is involved, as with ovarian cancer. Hormone production can be severely affected and consequently cause the vaginal area to lose moisture. "Often, sex is the furthest thing from a woman's mind while she is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation," Love points out. "One way for her to start feeling back to normal is by restoring lubrication and a feminine feeling, which can increase her receptivity to sex."

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. The side effects are physical and emotional distress, as well as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. In addition, radiation for cervical cancer destroys the ovaries, slowing hormone production, stopping menstruation, and bringing on the symptoms of menopause.

According to Love, there are women who have sexual desires during this time, but may feel afraid to act on them, fearing physical discomfort. Partners may be reluctant as well, fearing pain for the woman. "During physical and emotional bonding, oxytocin, a bonding hormone, is released," she explains. "This hormone actually helps to increase a person's sense of well-being. Thus, sex is very healthy and it can help bring normalcy back into a couple's life."

COPYRIGHT 2002 Society for the Advancement of Education

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group