Navigating Intimate Health after Breast Cancer or Gynaecological Cancers
Understanding Cancer & Vaginal Dryness
Understanding Cancer & Vaginal Dryness
Can cancer treatment cause vaginal dryness and painful intercourse?
As you recover from cancer, you may experience one of the unwelcome and often undiscussed side effects of cancer treatment – vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis. A drop in oestrogen level often causes these uncomfortable symptoms, leading to itching, irritation, and painful intercourse.
Studies show that as many as 70% of postmenopausal breast cancer survivors are affected by atrophic vaginitis [1], which is a thinning of the walls of the vagina due to a drop in oestrogen levels causing dryness, pain, and increased risk of infection.
Cancer and Vaginal Dryness: The Data
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Chemotherapy
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Hormone Therapy (Endocrine Therapy)
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Hysterectomy
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Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy can shut down the ovaries, either temporarily or permanently. This results in lower oestrogen and progesterone levels and is likely to cause symptoms such as hot flushes, irregular or no periods, and vaginal dryness or the more severe vaginal atrophy. These symptoms can affect your sex life as well as your general comfort and vaginal health.
Hormone therapy for Oestrogen Receptor Positive breast cancer (ER Positive), such as Tamoxifen, or Aromatase Inhibitors, Letrozole or Anastrozole which affect the production of oestrogen or block oestrogen receptors, can also lead to hot flushes, irregular or no periods, and vaginal dryness or atrophy.
Total hysterectomy for womb, ovarian or cervical cancer, when the ovaries, womb, fallopian tubes, and cervix are removed will also lead to the loss of oestrogen production and the accompanying symptoms as for Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy.
If you are experiencing early menopause as a result of cancer treatment, we have more information and resources to support you on this page.
Pelvic radiotherapy can bring on early menopause resulting in lowered oestrogen levels. These changes in hormones can result in a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms including; vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, itching, burning and pain during sex. [2] For some gynaecological cancers, internal brachytherapy may be used, and this can also affect the pelvic organs including the vagina.
For more information on the effects of pelvic radiotherapy, follow this link.
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Chemotherapy
-
Hormone Therapy
-
Hysterectomy
-
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy can shut down the ovaries, either temporarily or permanently. This results in lower oestrogen and progesterone levels and is likely to cause symptoms such as hot flushes, irregular or no periods, and vaginal dryness or the more severe vaginal atrophy. These symptoms can affect your sex life as well as your general comfort and vaginal health.
Hormone therapy for Oestrogen Receptor Positive breast cancer (ER Positive), such as Tamoxifen, or Aromatase Inhibitors, Letrozole or Anastrozole which affect the production of oestrogen or block oestrogen receptors, can also lead to hot flushes, irregular or no periods, and vaginal dryness or atrophy.
Total hysterectomy for womb, ovarian or cervical cancer, when the ovaries, womb, fallopian tubes, and cervix are removed will also lead to the loss of oestrogen production and the accompanying symptoms as for Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy.
If you are experiencing early menopause as a result of cancer treatment, we have more information and resources to support you on this page.
Pelvic radiotherapy can bring on early menopause resulting in lowered oestrogen levels. These changes in hormones can result in a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms including; vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, itching, burning and pain during sex. [2] For some gynaecological cancers, internal brachytherapy may be used, and this can also affect the pelvic organs including the vagina.
For more information on the effects of pelvic radiotherapy, follow this link.
References: [1] National Library of Medicine [2] Cancer.gov
Treating vaginal dryness caused by cancer treatment
A recent study by the British Menopause Society [1] on the management of oestrogen deficiency symptoms in women treated for breast cancer advises that the first-line treatment for vaginal dryness should be a vaginal moisturiser or lubricant. This should be offered to patients before any other treatments are considered.
The BMS also recommends that the moisturiser or lubricant given should not contain parabens due to their weak oestrogenic activity.
To resolve vaginal dryness without hormones or synthetic chemicals means that firstly the dry tissues need to be rehydrated by the regular use of a water-based moisturiser, and secondly, restoring intimacy will often require the use of an intimate lubricant that offers superior, long-lasting, non-sticky glide.
Treating vaginal
dryness caused
by cancer treatment
A recent study by the British Menopause Society [1] on the management of oestrogen deficiency symptoms in women treated for breast cancer advises that the first-line treatment for vaginal dryness should be a vaginal moisturiser or lubricant. This should be offered to patients before any other treatments are considered.
The BMS also recommends that the moisturiser or lubricant given should not contain parabens due to their weak oestrogenic activity.
To resolve vaginal dryness without hormones or synthetic chemicals means that firstly the dry tissues need to be rehydrated by the regular use of a water-based moisturiser, and secondly, restoring intimacy will often require the use of an intimate lubricant that offers superior, long-lasting, non-sticky glide.
Related Blogs
Menopause after cancer: YES® joins forces with Dani Binnington
Blog: Let's talk about sex after cancer
Perimenopause: First signs of perimenopause and natural remedies
YES® intimate health products are certified organic, free from hormones and all known skin irritants
YES® WB water-based personal lubricant
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Provides fast-acting hydration and lubrication for intercourse
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Intensely hydrating for dry intimate tissues
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pH matched to restore heathy vaginal pH
YES® VM Vaginal Moisturiser for everyday use
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Quickly re-hydrates dry intimate tissue for up to three days
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Releases moisture when and where your body needs it
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pH matched to restore heathy vaginal pH
YES® OB plant oil-based personal lubricant for intimacy and use with vaginal dilators
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Deeply nourishing for dry tissues
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Robust and protective emollient, providing a protective layer over the skin
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Long-lasting and water resistant
Atrophic Vaginitis explained
Atrophic Vaginitis is a condition where the lining of your vagina gets drier and thinner from a lack of oestrogen. Burning, itching, spotting and pain with sex are common symptoms, as are frequent urination and urinary tract infections. Symptoms can range in severity.
Symptoms of Atrophic Vgainitis include:
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Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal.
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Lack of vaginal moisture (vaginal dryness).
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Vaginal burning (inflammation).
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Spotting of blood after intercourse (always see your healthcare professional for advice if this occurs).
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Discomfort or pain during intercourse (regular sexual activity helps to keep vaginal tissues healthy).
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Pain or burning with urination.
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More frequent urinary tract infections.
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Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage).
- Urinary frequency.
- Thinning of the walls occasionally resulting in the walls adhering which can cause tears.
How is YES different from other Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants?
Atrophic Vaginitis explained
Atrophic Vaginitis is a condition where the lining of your vagina gets drier and thinner from a lack of oestrogen. Burning, itching, spotting and pain with sex are common symptoms, as are frequent urination and urinary tract infections. Symptoms can range in severity.
Symptoms of Atrophic
Vaginitis can Include:
-
Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal.
-
Lack of vaginal moisture (vaginal dryness).
-
Vaginal burning (inflammation).
-
Spotting of blood after intercourse (always see your healthcare professional for advice if this occurs).
-
Discomfort or pain during intercourse (regular sexual activity helps to keep vaginal tissues healthy).
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Pain or burning with urination.
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More frequent urinary tract infections.
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Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage).
- Urinary frequency.
- Thinning of the Vaginal walls occasionally resulting in the walls adhering which can cause tears.
How YES® is different from other vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
- All YES® products are certified organic by a third-party certifier, the Soil Association, and they are guaranteed pure and natural. Our products have undergone rigorous testing and have a series of certifications to support our claims.
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YES® WB & VM are recommended by a wide range of healthcare professionals and are available on NHS prescription (YES® WB is available on the NHS as YES® water-based vaginal lubricant).
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All products are designed to be side-effect free.
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No concerning ingredients including parabens, glycerine, sugars, petrochemicals (such as parabens, glycols) and l-arginine.
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No Hormones.
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No known skin irritants.
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No Silicone.
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Check out our 100% satisfaction guarantee policy
-
All YES® products are certified organic by a third-party certifier, the Soil Association, and they are guaranteed pure and natural. Our products have undergone rigorous testing and have a series of certifications to support our claims.
-
YES® WB & YES® VM are both pH matched to the vagina to restore and maintain the typical, slightly acidic, vaginal environment.
-
YES® WB & VM are recommended by a wide range of healthcare professionals and are available on NHS prescription (YES® WB is available on the NHS as YES® water-based vaginal lubricant).
-
All products are designed to be side-effect free.
-
No concerning ingredients including parabens, glycerine, sugars, petrochemicals (such as parabens, glycols) and l-arginine.
-
No Hormones.
-
No known skin irritants.
-
No Silicone.
-
Check out our 100% satisfaction guarantee policy
Choosing between YES® WB & YES® VM
| ARE YOU EXPERINCING: | YES® WB | YES® VM | COMMENTS |
|
Intercourse Dryness |
|
Use for intercourse |
|
|
Painful Intercourse |
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Use before and during intercourse |
|
|
Intermittent Vaginal Dryness |
|
Use for comfort and intercourse |
|
|
Vaginal Atrophy |
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Use daily initially, then every 3 days as symptoms improve |
|
|
Itching, Burning from the dryness |
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As needed to alleviate itching and burning |
|
|
Menopause Vaginal Dryness |
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Use daily initially, then every 3 days as symptoms improve |
|
|
Atrophic Vaginitis |
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Use daily initially, then every 3 days as symptoms improve |
|
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Short-term bouts of Vaginal Dryness |
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Use for comfort and intercourse |
|
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Long-term requirements for Vaginal Moisturiser |
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Use daily initially, then every 3 days as symptoms improve |
|
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Persistent, long term Dyspareunia |
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Use daily initially, then every 3 days as symptoms improve |
Why do women use YES® VM and YES® WB to treat vaginal dryness naturally?
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Rapidly soothes the symptoms of vaginal dryness, such as itching, dryness, burning, and soreness.
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Effectively moisturises dry, irritated vaginal tissues.
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Our water-based products reassure you with a familiar feel and texture, indistinguishable from your own natural lubrication.
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Restores typical vaginal pH. Maintaining vaginal pH can help to protect your body from opportunistic infections such as Thrush outbreaks.
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Enhances intimacy and sensitivity irrespective of natural lubrication levels.
98% of our customers would recommend YES® VM and 85% of our customers experienced relief from symptoms within 1 hour.
Why do women use YES® VM and YES® WB to treat vaginal dryness naturally?
-
Rapidly soothes the symptoms of vaginal dryness, such as itching, dryness, burning, and soreness.
-
Effectively moisturises dry, irritated vaginal tissues.
-
Our water-based products reassure you with a familiar feel and texture, indistinguishable from your own natural lubrication.
-
Restores typical vaginal pH. Maintaining vaginal pH can help to protect your body from opportunistic infections such as Thrush outbreaks.
-
Enhances intimacy and sensitivity irrespective of natural lubrication levels.
98% of our customers would recommend YES® VM and 85% of our customers experienced relief from symptoms within 1 hour.
Find us on NHS Prescription!
Did you know that YES® WB and YES® VM are both available on UK NHS prescription?
Pass on the following PIP codes to your doctor when asking your them to prescribe YES VM and YES WB. The pip codes are there to allow your doctor to identify the product.
YES® WB Pre-filled Applicators Pip code: 345-5805
YES® WB Tube Pip code: 345-5789
YES® VM Applicators Pip code: 402-3420
YES® VM tube Pip code: 402-3412
You may also wish to take advantage of our subscription package to receive 15% off your order every time you purchase.
Additional Resources
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Atrophy
YES® Ingredients policy
Menopausal dryness
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Atrophy
YES® Ingredients policy
Menopausal dryness
Professional Recommendations
Dr Tracie Miles – Lead Gynaecology Oncology Nurse Specialist. Past President of the National Forum of Gynaecological Oncology Nurses
“Women undergoing treatment for cancer may experience unwanted changes to their vaginal mucosa. Uncomfortable and sometimes painful vaginal dryness is one commonly reported symptom of treatment. YES® moisturising lubricant can be used safely and with confidence by women to ameliorate these distressing symptoms and restore comfort. YES® lubricants can also be used to help ease applicator insertion for vaginal brachytherapy. My patients report a preference for a non-medical lubricant to support the use of vaginal dilators as part of sexual survivorship, following the physical and psychological trauma of the disease and treatment. They find YES® to be a non-irritant, effective and comforting alternative to the standard products available over the counter.”
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