Breast cancer can be both physically and psychologically devastating, and can further affect quality of life if there is a lack of knowledge about sexuality and misconceptions about sexuality. The most important thing is that it is a very important part of your life. The first thing you need to do is to get a good idea of what you are getting into.
These are misconceptions about sex
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Myth 1: Breast cancer can be transmitted through sex
This is a misunderstanding of the pathogenesis of cancer. Cancer is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted to others, much less through sex.
Myth 2: Hormone levels will decrease after breast cancer treatment, and so will sexual needs
This is a physical and psychological misconception about breast cancer patients. The main sex hormone that produces sexual desire in women is estrogen, which is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries, and mastectomy itself does not cause a decrease in estrogen levels. The decreased sexual needs of breast cancer patients may be due to both the physical and psychological stresses associated with the disease itself.
How to get sex right?
Even with breast cancer, it is reasonable to have a need for sex and not to avoid that need. Of course, the degree and manner of sexual need will vary at each stage of treatment, and will also vary depending on age, physical strength, and other factors.
After surgery and during radiotherapy treatment, it is generally important to abstain from sex because you are usually in a state of fatigue and are physically weaker due to the many possible side effects of treatment. If you are reluctant to have sex, you may instead aggravate your condition.
After stabilization and recovery of strength, moderate sexual activity is reasonable. The patient’s physical and psychological recovery can be facilitated by having a strong belief and courage for survival, better communication with the partner in terms of sexual life, and mutual comfort, encouragement, and caress between the couple.
In conclusion, those with breast cancer should abandon misconceptions about sexuality and can work with their partners to improve their quality of life and promote physical and mental recovery through appropriate sex.