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When do sleep, good sex come back?

Page last modified on: September 22, 2008
Question from Website Question: Is there an average time after treatment for breast cancer that women regain adequate sleep and resume satisfying sex before we need to consult various doctors? How much time is "enough time"?
Answers —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: If you are unsure about when and how your body is going to recover, talk to your healthcare team right away. Even if significant improvement would naturally be around the corner, you want to know what you can do to help make it happen sooner rather than later.

You will find that many other women are experiencing the same concerns you have. During the time that you're trying to rediscover a sexual life that is satisfying to you and a regular everyday life that brings you joy and meaning, tap into a support group to learn from others who are experiencing some of the same issues.
Su Kenderdine, M.D.: Sometimes, while we're going through the fatigue of treatment, if we give ourselves permission to rest and recuperate in ways that we haven't given ourselves before, it can make a big difference. Nap when you get home from work or midday if you're at home, give over certain chores, don't cook dinner for that period of time, or don't do the laundry or the shopping. Sometimes being terrifically creative in how we give ourselves rest and recuperation can make a huge difference.

On Wednesday, May 19, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Sleep or Sex? You Can Have Both! Su Carroll Kenderdine, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to maintain sexual intimacy during and after treatment, what to do for loss of libido and vaginal dryness, ways to reduce the fatigue related to breast cancer, and more.

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

Su Carroll Kenderdine, M.D. is a family doctor and breast cancer survivor who conducts workshops on sexuality for women recovering from breast 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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