Baldness, wigs in bed feel weird?
Meet the Experts
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.
Question from Kirsten W: I don't know about anyone else, but trying to act like sex is sexy while being bald is impossible for me! I look at my boyfriend while we're in the act, and I just feel ridiculous! Talk about a new level of nakedness. But wearing a wig in bed feels even weirder. Any suggestions?
- Answer —Kara Nakisbendi, M.D.: There was a great Desperate Housewives scene on this. I think it comes down to experimenting and communicating as far as what you feel comfortable with and what your partner feels comfortable with. In the show, the husband stated there was one time he wanted to pretend they weren't dealing with cancer. So she wore the wig and that was appealing to him. She felt that this is the way it is and you have to accept me for what I am. I think both are true, but I think there needs to be some play around or communicating. Possibly your partner isn't bothered by the lack of hair and it's just a fear that you have.
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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