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Q. I am a 63-year-old woman who had estrogen-positive breast cancer 10 years ago. I had bilateral mastectomies, no chemo or radiation.
Now I am extremely estrogen deprived and cannot have sex because of the pain from vaginal dryness. My doctor will not prescribe estrogen to help with this problem because it might increase my risk of cancer recurrence. Is there some other way to treat these atrophic changes?
A. Applying a lubricant such as olive oil or coconut oil daily may be helpful. For intercourse, you might want to consider a water-based lubricant such as Sylk. It contains kiwi-fruit vine extract and is available on the Web at www.sylkusa.com or by calling (866) 831-2920.
My wife and I still prefer another remedy you have mentioned, which is Abolene. A jar of it lasts quite a few years. Like Wildroot Cream Oil, a little dab will do you. I also use it as a hand moisturizer after having worked in water or other drying agents (like cement).
Hello,
I am a board certified holistic family physician, and wanted to respond to a recent letter in your column in which a woman described severe vaginal dryness 10 years after breast cancer treatment. I have had multiple patients with this problem, and discussed this with several reputable oncologists who specialize in breast and gynecological cancer. The consensus opinion is that use of vaginal (but NOT oral) estrogen more than 5 years after breast cancer is safe, even if the cancer was estrogen-receptor positive. The form with the lowest systemic absorption of estrogen seems to be Estring. In cases of severe atrophic changes, it may be necessary to use a small amount of vaginal estrogen cream nightly for a month before attempting to insert Estring. Several of my patients have had excellent results with this, and were able to resume normal sexual activity pain-free.
I would suggest that women with this problem discuss vaginal estrogen use with their oncologist. These products do require a prescription.
Hope this information helps.
I am a nine year survivor with a similar situation. Years ago when I complained, my gynecologist sent me to a dermatologist, who recommended using AQUAPHOR. It does the trick for me. Since starting to use AQUAPHOR, I have also found out that it is great for healing burns and am told it is great for healing radiation burns (although I didn't have radiation). Now I never leave home without it and the best part is that it is not a prescription!
I pour about 1/4 inch of some liquid coconut oil in a silicone cupcake cup and refrigerate or freeze this. The resulting solid coin shape breaks in half easily and can be used ahead of time as a pre-lovemaking vaginal suppository!! Very sensuous, natural and doesn't break up the mood! Relax and enjoy!!