Bladder cancer treatments can have a significant impact on sexual health, yet this topic is often overlooked, especially for women. In this webinar, Dr. Andrea Kokorovic, MD, FRCSC, discusses the effect of bladder cancer treatments, including BCG and radical cystectomy, on the sexual health of women living with bladder cancer.
The goal of this discussion is education: helping women understand the possible treatment side effects and empowering them to talk openly with their healthcare team about sexual health during and after bladder cancer treatments.
How Bladder Cancer Treatments Affect Female Sexual Health
Radical cystectomy involves removal of the bladder, and possibly the ovaries, uterus, and part of the vagina, leading to vaginal shortening, nerve disruption, hormonal changes, and side effects such as vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, reduced libido, and difficulty achieving orgasm. Even less invasive procedures, like BCG therapy, can affect sexual comfort, although research is limited. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and changes in body image also play a role. Women living with bladder cancer can explore health and wellness resources to help manage these effects and support overall well-being. Women seeking to better understand female sexual function after bladder cancer treatment can use these resources to find practical guidance.
Communication Gaps Between Patients and Providers
Navigating your bladder cancer diagnosis can be difficult. Research shows that nearly 40% of women are not asked about sexual health before treatment, even though most patients want to discuss it. Many providers avoid these conversations due to discomfort or lack of training. Understanding the importance of these discussions can empower patients to speak up and take an active role in their care.
Ways to Support Sexual Health After Bladder Cancer Treatment
Several approaches can help women manage sexual side effects after bladder cancer treatment:
- Sexual medicine and counseling: Referral to a sexologist or sexual health specialist can address psychological, relational, and physical concerns.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Pre- and post-treatment therapy can improve pelvic function and sexual comfort.
- Hormonal and non-hormonal options: Vaginal estrogen therapy, hormone replacement therapy, or other interventions may help manage dryness, pain, or low libido.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Supports coping with stress, anxiety, and body image changes.
Bladder Cancer Canada offers educational support through educational resources, support programs, and emotional coping tools to help patients and caregivers navigate treatment side effects.
Empower Yourself and Explore Women’s Sexual Health with Bladder Cancer Canada
Sexual health is a critical part of quality of life for women with bladder cancer. Open conversations with your care team, early access to sexual health strategies, and leveraging Bladder Cancer Canada’s resources – including a support group exclusively for women – can help women maintain intimacy, confidence, and well-being during and after treatment.
A webinar on sexual health for men after bladder cancer is available for those looking for the male perspective.
