How would you manage a patient with profound dyspareunia after pelvic radiation for anal cancer?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Thanks for bringing up this important topic that remains understudied, with historically widely underestimated incidences of post-radiotherapy dyspareunia. There is currently no standardized method or schedule for assessing post-treatment sexual dysfunction including vaginal stenosis and fibrosis (a...
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Radiation Oncologist at University of Alabama at Birmingham In addition, vitamin E + trental regimen per prior...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
You might also consider a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy. I have had one person tell me that it helped them. There have been some clinical trials demonstrating some signal of benefit for patients with dyspareunia (not necessarily RT/cancer-rel...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I agree with @Nina Sanford in all respects, and particularly the fact that we don't have much objective data. So possibly anecdotal experience can be useful, or maybe not. Here is my anecdotal experience. Dyspareunia is more common in patients treated for cancers of the vulva, vagina, and IIIA...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I often encourage these women to join a local GYN support group, whose members often have similar survivorship struggles. Many of these are now held virtually so the often intimidating in-person attendance is not a requirement. Next week, Johns Hopkins is hosting a great GYN cancer survivorship summ...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
You might consider referring the patient to a comprehensive cancer center that has a clinic/program specifically for women's sexual health after cancer treatment.
In addition, vitamin E + trental regimen per prior...