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Normal for chemo to affect pubic hair?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from I am Curious Orange: I am a 10-year survivor. I did the chemo and my hair grew back nicely. However, my pubic hair is very sparse--heaven forbid, leaving a C-section scar visible. OK, I know I have a lot to be thankful for--and I am! Still, this makes me feel very shy. Is this a normal chemo thing, or is it just my age (51)?
Answers —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: A decrease in pubic hair is often related to being thrown into menopause early. So that may be what you've experienced. There are some types of chemotherapy that make you lose all of your hair everywhere, like the Taxanes. It may take longer for pubic hair to come back compared to how long it takes for hair to return on top of your head. Until you are where you want to be, you might feel more comfortable with sexy underwear. Often, these body changes are much more noticeable to you than your partner. But of course, what's going through your mind usually has a more profound impact on your ability to experience sexual pleasure.
Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Remember, too, that in some cultures, women shave their pubic hair and some men find the bare genitals more erotic.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy and Sexuality. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affect your sex life.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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