What interventions besides lubricants do you advise to improve sexual satisfaction for patients s/p ChemoXRT for cervical cancer?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Advise a multimodal approach
Additional strategies:
1) Vaginal dilator therapy. Additional visits outside of follow-ups may improve adherence
2) Vaginal moisturizers - Replens, Vitamin E oil, etc. This is outside of water-based lubricants during sexual activity
3) Topical estrogens (many of thes...
Comments
Radiation Oncologist at Henry Ford Health System I totally agree with the above recommendations!
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I agree with the above. In addition to lubricants, a hyaluronic acid moisturizer nightly both internally and on external tissues has some data for improvement of dryness and urinary complaints (hyalogyn can be ordered online without prescription).
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
Vaginal dilators are excellent with some good advice: use lubricants to insert. Do them once a week. Be sure they reach the vaginal vault. Be sure you keep the inside presurre pushing in with your finger for around 10 minutes.See patients once every six weeks until you are sure the vagina keeps open...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
We agree with the above comments. The most common recommendation is 2-3 times a week for 10 min. I think the first year is the most important for improving vaginal function. How long do you usually recommend to use dilator?
I totally agree with the above recommendations!