Where did my sex drive go???
I wish there were an easy way to bring this subject up! I had a double mastectomy in 2018, and I'm on AI with another 1.5 years of treatment to go before I'm finished with it. I'm 65 and divorced, but I was dating casually when I was first diagnosed. I haven't dated since then as I was struggling to feel better and get my life back again. Anyway, since starting the AI and having surgery, I have absolutely no sexual feelings at all, nada, nothing. Even if I try, I can't have an orgasm. And I don't even really want to try, because I just can't get there. But I'm a social being, and I miss dating quite a lot.
My oncologist has never even mentioned the effects of the cancer on my sex life at all. My initial surgeon recommended RePlens (spelling?), which I've learned is helpful for moisture and lubrication, but this is NOT a moisture and lubrication problem. It's a fundamental problem with desire that I don't understand, and it's so unlike me! At first I assumed it was due to the stresses associated with cancer recovery, but I'm wondering now if it's an effect of the aromatase inhibitor itself.
Is this a side effect of the medicine? I'm on Aromasin 25 mg. Could that produce this effect? And how the heck to you deal with it? I miss that side of my life! Also, have you talked with your oncologist about this problem, and if so, how have your framed it? Because he's obviously uncomfortable with the subject, I have difficulty figuring out how to bring the topic up! Thanks for any thought you have about this subject!!
Comments
-
Do. a search for the I want my mojo back. The ladies there may be able to help.
0 -
this is the thread you'll want
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/150/topic...
Yes aromatase inhibitors can tank your sex drive. They block the synthesis of estrogen in your body. I have another resource for you - I'll be back with it when I find it
0 -
there's a podcast called Don't Ignore the Elephant by Dr Liz O'Riordan (who is a breast cancer surgeon and has had breast cancer twice herself) and she did an episode on getting your sex life back https://dontignoretheelephant.podbean.com/e/samant...
Direct link to the episode but you can find the podcast on apple etc
0 -
I was concerned about my loss of sex drive as well. But after some deep self-reflection, I'm now questioning a substantial chunk of my own sexual history. We also have a group on Discovering Asexuality, for those who are surprised to find separation from sex a positive thing.
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/150/topics/882076?page=1#idx_1
0 -
actually we have been talking about sex drivehere too:
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/150/topics/876308?page=6#idx_176
0
