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| Side Effects of Chemotherapy on Reproduction & Sexuality in Women |
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Reproductive and sexual problems can occur after you receive chemotherapy. Which, if any, reproductive problems develop depends on your age when you are treated, the dose and duration of the chemotherapy, and the chemotherapy drug(s) that are given. Issues of reproduction and sexuality are important because they have implications for your future.
Sexual changes women may experience:
- Many chemotherapy drugs can either temporarily or permanently damage a woman's ovaries, reducing their output of hormones. This affects a woman's fertility and libido.
- Even though your menstrual cycles may be disrupted or stopped with chemotherapy, it is still possible to get pregnant. If you do not want to become pregnant, always use birth control.
- You may have symptoms of early menopause. These symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness and tightness during intercourse, and irregular or no menstrual periods. As the lining of the vagina thins, light spotting of blood after intercourse becomes common. This should not be a cause for worry.
- Some chemotherapy drugs irritate all mucous membranes in the body. This includes the lining of the vagina, which often becomes dry and inflamed.
- Vaginal infections are common during chemotherapy, particularly in women taking steroids or the powerful antibiotics used to prevent bacterial infections. Yeast cells are a natural part of the vagina's cleansing system. If too many grow, however, you will notice itching inside your vagina. You may also have a whitish discharge that often looks like cottage cheese. Yeast infections inflame the lining of the vagina so that intercourse burns. Yeast infections can often be prevented by not wearing pantyhose, nylon panties, and tight pants. Loose clothing and cotton panties let the vagina breathe. The doctor may also prescribe a vaginal cream or suppository to reduce yeast cells or other organisms that grow in the vagina.
- If you have had genital herpes or genital wart infections in the past, you may have flare-ups during chemotherapy. It is especially important to have a vaginal infection treated if you are taking chemotherapy. Your body's immune system is not as strong because of the treatment, and any infection is a greater problem.
- Chemotherapy is often given through an IV tube into the bloodstream. However, new ways have been developed to bring drugs directly to a tumor. For cancer of the bladder, for example, a liquid is placed directly into the bladder through a catheter in the urethra. Such a treatment has only a minor effect on a woman's sex life. You may notice some pain if you have intercourse too soon after the treatment. This is because the bladder and urethra are still irritated.
- For tumors in the pelvis, you may be given chemotherapy by pelvic infusion. The drugs are put into the arteries that feed the tumor and give an extra strong dose to the genital area. Because this method is fairly new, doctors do not yet know the long-term effects on a woman's sex life. The immediate side effects are most likely similar to those of IV chemotherapy.
- For cancer of the ovaries or colon, the cavity around the intestines is filled with drugs in liquid form. This way of giving chemotherapy is called the intraperitoneal "belly bath." Because the chemotherapy causes the area to swell temporarily, a woman looks as if she is pregnant, which may cause her more emotional distress.
For more information, please see Sexuality for Men and Their Partners or Sexuality for Women and Their Partners.
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