As humans, sex, sexuality, and intimacy are vitally important for our wellbeing and overall health. The closeness felt through the act of intimacy has been shown to trigger hormones that reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and improve sleep. However, the stress of a cancer diagnosis, as well as side effects from medications, can impact sexual health and wellbeing in both men and women.
In one survey of cancer survivors, 46% reported sexual health problems related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and 71% said that they had received no care for sexual dysfunction. These statistics show that out of the estimated 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States alone, over 7 million of them are affected by sexual dysfunction with many receiving no treatment at all.
Opening the Discussion on Sexual Health
Often, we choose not to discuss sexual health with our doctor, physician, friends, or even family as we view it as a personal issue that will ‘fix’ itself; a ‘normal’ part of life; or we simply learn to live with it. This is due in part to our culture in which sexual health is often viewed as a taboo subject, but these views can leave us struggling in silence.
While coping with a cancer diagnosis or treatment is never an easy journey, losing the level of intimacy you are accustomed to due to sexual dysfunction symptoms can be devastating to your emotional wellbeing. You may experience a lack of self-esteem, a sense of loss, anxiety, frustration, or more which begins to spill out into your relationships with others.
Thankfully, by opening up and discussing your sexual health issues with our team of professionals at the Marsden Centre, you will discover natural homeopathic treatments that will allow you to recover your sexual health.
Sexual Health in Women
Sexual dysfunction in women may occur during or after cancer treatments and may be temporary or long-lasting but all affect your physical and emotional wellbeing. Cancer treatments, medications, health history, and other factors make each woman’s symptoms unique to herself, therefore, it is essential to have a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or other symptoms related to sexual health, contact us today to discover the natural options available to you.
Signs & Symptoms in Women;
- hot flashes
- irregular or no periods
- vaginal dryness
- vaginal stenosis (less elastic, narrow, shorter vagina)
- vaginal atrophy (weak vaginal muscles and thin vaginal wall)
- pain
- lowered libido and/or lack of interest in intimacy
- lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety
Sexual Health in Men
Men who have been diagnosed and/or treated for cancer may experience changes that affect their sexual health and their emotional wellbeing. These changes can be temporary or long-lasting and can occur during or after cancer treatments.
Men are often less inclined to discuss sexual health problems with their physician or medical centre which can lead to a lowered sense of body image. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or other sexual health-related issues, don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today for natural solutions and discover your optimal sexual health.
Signs & Symptoms in Men:
- lowered testosterone levels
- erectile dysfunction
- lowered libido and/or lack of interest in intimacy
- depression, anxiety
- pain
- dry orgasms
A Naturopathic Approach to Sexual Health
You DO NOT have to live with pain, lack of desire, difficulty achieving orgasm, maintaining an erection, or other sexual and emotional health related symptoms!
Here at Marsden Centre, our Naturopathic Doctors understand the effects that a cancer diagnosis and medical treatment plan can have on a person’s body, mind, and spirit. We take the time to fully understand your needs, goals, and desires as well as your personal health history to ensure our supportive programs are created and personalized to match your individual needs.
are created and personalized to match your individual needs.
A Natural Approach to Supporting Your Sexual Function May Include:
- Hormonal Therapy – Bioidentical Hormones
- Acupuncture
- Organics
- Counselling
- Diet Therapy
- Supplements
- Intravenous Therapy
- Strengthening Foundational Habits (i.e., sleep and exercise)
- Or a mixture of one or more of the above
Our professionals are dedicated to getting to the root of your symptoms rather than covering them up or masking them with pharmaceuticals. This approach aims to support your body’s natural healing processes through the most effective natural and integrative therapies validated by clinical research or traditional/historical use.
Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have and don’t worry…we have heard it all! So, never be embarrassed or intimidated to seek the answers you require.
You are steps away from discovering optimal sexual health, reigniting intimacy in your relationships, and enjoying a new outlook on life so don’t waste another moment! Contact us today!
References
Medical News Today; Nicole Galan, RN; “Does sex provide health benefits?”; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316954#precautions
R Rechis, L Boerner, Nutt, etal: How has cancer affected post-treatment survivors: A LIVESTRONG report http://images.livestrong.org/downloads/flatfiles/what-we-do/our-approach/reports/how-cancer/LSSurvivorSurveyReport.pdf
National Cancer Institute; January 2019 Statistics; https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
National Cancer Institute; Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer; https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sexuality-women
National Cancer Institute; Sexual Health Issues in Men with Cancer; https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sexuality-men