Cervical cancer is mainly caused by a long-term infection with human papillomavirus, leading to unusual cell growth in the cervix. However, the treatments for it can have lasting effects on a person's health. In a chat with a Lifestyle magazine, Dr. Venkata Sujatha Vellanki, who is the Regional Medical Head and a Fertility Specialist at Oasis Fertility, mentioned, “Treating cervical cancer can have a big impact on a woman’s body, both physically and emotionally. These changes can affect sexual health and reproductive wellness, with many women noticing shifts in how they see their bodies, a dip in confidence, or even a decreased interest in sex. It’s also common for women to feel anxious or worried about getting back to their sex life during or after treatment.”

“While a lot of sexual concerns tend to get better over time, some might stick around or pop up months or even years later. Infertility can be a long-term issue, especially for younger women,” Dr. Venkata Sujatha Vellanki added.

Sexual challenges following cervical cancer treatment:

The kind of treatment you get—like radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy—affects the sexual issues you might face. These treatments can harm nerves and blood vessels, lead to scar tissue, and throw off your hormone levels, according to the fertility expert.

Low libido: A drop in interest in sexual activities.

Vaginal dryness: Less natural lubrication, which can be uncomfortable.

Vaginal stenosis: A narrowing of the vaginal canal that can make sex painful.

Pain during sex: Usually caused by dryness, scarring, or damage to the tissue.

Vulvovaginal atrophy: Thinning and dryness of the vulva and vaginal walls.

Change in sensitivity: Decreased feeling in the vulva, vagina, or clitoris.

Here are some suggestions for taking care of your sexual and reproductive health:

Chat with your doctor: Bring up any worries to get personalized advice and solutions.

Pelvic floor therapy: Work on strengthening your pelvic muscles to boost sexual health.

Hormone treatments: Try hormonal creams or patches to help with libido.

Vaginal dilator therapy: Use these to gently stretch the vaginal canal and ease discomfort. Also check out | Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. An oncologist explains why.

Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: Help with dryness and make sex more comfortable.

Pain relief: Talk to your doctor about ways to manage pain during sex.

Emotional support: Consider therapy or support groups to help with emotional shifts.

Fertility options: If you're thinking about having kids, discuss your choices with your doctor. Also see | Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Understanding the stages of cervical cancer.

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