Vaginal Dryness as a Side-Effect of Breast Cancer

Vaginal dryness can have many causes. One of these causes can be breast cancer. Sufferers generally simply accept vaginal dryness, as in situations like this, there are certainly more important things than complaining about vaginal dryness – at least that is what most women think. However, nobody should have to live with the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal dryness.

Why does vaginal dryness occur?

Vaginal dryness always occurs when the body generates limited amounts of the hormone oestrogen. This is perfectly normal in menopausal women. However, few people know that most women begin to suffer from the symptoms of vaginal dryness before the menopause. That’s because most are unaware of causes such as pregnancy, excessive intimate hygiene and, as mentioned above, breast cancer.

When sufferers of breast cancer undergo chemotherapy, it prevents oestrogen being created in the ovaries. Anti-hormonal therapy, which is also commonly used to treat breast cancer, suppresses the effect of female sex hormones too. The women have all the same symptoms as menopausal women, as the same things happen when menopause begins. When young women are afflicted by breast cancer and begin to experience menopausal symptoms, this can be very stressful and unpleasant for them on top of the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

Besides the unpleasant itching, burning and pain during sex, vaginal dryness can even impact their daily lives. The lack of moisture in the genital area can be painful during sporting activities, too, or simply while walking. A woman’s genital area is generally covered with a milky-white liquid to protect it at all times. This liquid protects against friction and thus prevents the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal dryness. In addition to the itching, burning and pain during intercourse, the genital area is increasingly susceptible to infections, both vaginal and urinary. This also causes the vaginal tissue to become thinner, much more sensitive and less elastic.

Chemotherapy impairs the hormonal balance of women undergoing treatment. Their menstruation and ovulation stop. After chemotherapy, the aim is to counteract the hormonal imbalance and ensure that ovulation starts again. Unfortunately, however, not all women return to the same hormonal balance and fertility levels as before their illness. The younger a woman is when she suffers from breast cancer, or when she is treated with chemotherapy, the more likely her body is to recover fully; this is also true of the menopausal symptoms.

Alleviation of vaginal dryness

Experts recommend using personal lubricants to alleviate the unpleasant effects of vaginal dryness. It is particularly important that the personal lubricants used are free from hormones. Personal lubricants help moisten the genital area and supply the skin with the moisture it lacks.

pjur med aims to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal dryness. The pjur med personal lubricants can support the natural moisture in the genital area and help relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Thanks to their natural and nature-identical ingredients, pjur med personal lubricants are particularly suitable for the sensitive genital membranes. pjur med personal lubricants not only aim to moisturise the skin, they also care for it.

pjur med offers both silicone-based and water-based personal lubricants. The silicone-based personal lubricants, such as pjur med PREMIUM glide, don’t contain any preservatives and ensure a long-lasting lubrication. The silicone molecules they contain are larger than the skin’s pores and therefore form a breathable protective film that makes your skin soft and supple. The water-based personal lubricants, such as pjur med VEGAN glide, are purely made of natural and nature-identical substances. The water is absorbed by the membrane, supplying it with the moisture it lacks. The pjur med water-based personal lubricants contain natural additives, to provide additional care to the genital area.

pjur med personal lubricants should be used regularly to relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness. They have been dermatologically tested and are recommended by doctors and pharmacists worldwide to alleviate vaginal dryness. They are suitable for daily use.

The news of a breast cancer diagnosis is already a heavy blow, and can have many terrible consequences. Vaginal dryness does not have to be one of them. Personal lubricants can ease unpleasant vaginal dryness.

Author

  • Editorial Team

    Articles written by experts in their field. Our experts are sharing their knowledge and expertise, however their opinions and ideas may not be the opinions of Wellbeing Magazine. Any article offering advice should be first discussed with their GP before trying any treatments, products or lifestyle changes.