Exploring sexual intimacy and breast cancer - Meg Fitzgerald
1. Exploring Sexual Intimacy and
Breast Cancer
Meg Fitzgerald MSW Dip PST
Psychosexual Therapist
The National Maternity Hospital,
Dublin
2. Overview
Let’s Talk about Sex
Impact of Cancer on Sexuality and
Sexual Functioning
Resuming a Sexual Life
3. Let’s Talk about Sex
Definitions of Sexuality
Purposes of Sex?
Normal Sex?
4. Impact of Cancer
At time of Diagnosis;
Management of Treatment is main goal
Sex not a priority
May already be difficulties pre-diagnosis
5. Treatment
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Perceived Violation/Medicalization
Body Image/Loss of femininity/Scarring
Fatigue/Nausea/Hair loss
Loss of lubrication
8. Sexuality?
Does not go away with illness
Post serious illness does not equal
sexual dysfunction
How cope/make changes important
9. Resumption of Sexual Life
Challenging Sexual Myths
Body Image-Self Focus
Communication
Changing Sexual Script
10. Possible Concerns to Discuss
What if I don’t want to be seen naked?
If I don’t want my breasts/chest to be
caressed?
Do I tell new partners about my
mastectomy?
What if I am not interested in sex?
If sex is painful?
If I am too tired to have sex?
11. Regaining Sexual
Relationships
Making Time
Taking it Slowly
Sensual Focus for self and couple
Arousal-Lubricants/Sex Toys
Experimenting with Sexual Positions
‘Good Enough Sex’
12. Some Suggestions
www.beecourse.com
Anne Katz ‘Women, Cancer, Sex’
Barry McCarthy ‘Rekindling Desire’
PST
Editor's Notes
Can be physical and/or psychological-How to prevent