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Lubriants not working for vaginal dryness?

Page last modified on: October 6, 2008
Question from Erika: I'm taking Femara and have severe problems with vaginal dryness. I have tried various lubricants but have been unsuccessful. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answers —Kara Nakisbendi, M.D.: I think it's a good time to experiment with different products for lubricant. Some people use almond oil, coconut oil, or Crisco [oil] if you're not worried about condoms. There are many items you can try. Open communication is the most important so you don't feel that you're trying to hide the symptoms you have or handle them all on your own.
Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: I think it's crucial, and I wish all women had easy access to a gynecologist as knowledgeable and sympathetic as Dr. Nakisbendi. Women often have a hard time getting their gynecologist or oncologist really to pay attention to the problems that they're having in this area.
Kara Nakisbendi, M.D.: Another important point is that a lot of times having pain or discomfort or not having the pleasure can lead to avoidance. And that brings on a whole host of other problems, one of which is worsening of vaginal atrophy, or thinning of the vaginal tissue. From there, intercourse can be more painful. Sometimes, in addition to lubricants, the use of vaginal dilators can help a woman understand her anatomy and become comfortable with penetration again in a controlled, safe way.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Sex, Intimacy, and Breast Cancer. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. and Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. answered your questions about sexual side effects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment, and what you can do about them.

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.

Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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