pink ribbon good | NOVEMBER 11, 2026
Vibe Co-Founder Jodi Gibbs wrote a piece, “Reclaiming Intimacy: A Guide to Sexual Health After Breast Cancer, that was featured by Pink Ribbon Good.
this was originally featured and published by pink ribbon good.
Breast cancer treatment can affect many parts of your life, including your sexual health and intimate relationships. Changes in desire, comfort, body image, and intimacy are common, but they are not always talked about during treatment or follow-up visits.
Research suggests that many breast cancer survivors experience changes in their sexual health. For some, these changes can last long after treatment ends. It may take time to feel comfortable in your body and reconnect with intimacy. There is no set timeline for healing, and everyone's experience is different.
Understanding Changes in Desire
Sexual desire is not simply an “on” or “off” switch. It can be affected by many things, including physical changes, emotions, stress, relationships, medications, and hormonal changes.
Some people experience spontaneous desire, while others may begin to feel desire after affection, touch, or emotional connection begins. Both experiences are normal.
Finding a new rhythm may take time. Be patient with yourself and communicate openly with your partner about what feels comfortable.
Supporting Physical Comfort
Breast cancer treatment can lead to vaginal dryness, irritation, pain, or other changes that can make intimacy uncomfortable. Using the right products may help improve comfort.
Lubricants
Lubricants are used during sexual activity to reduce friction and discomfort.
Some common types include:
Water-based lubricants: These are often a good choice for sensitive tissue and are easy to wash away.
Silicone-based lubricants: These provide longer-lasting lubrication and can be used in water.
Oil-based products: These may feel moisturizing, but they should not be used with latex condoms because they can cause the condom to break.
If you are unsure which product is right for you, ask your healthcare provider or pelvic health specialist for guidance.
Vaginal Moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers are different from lubricants. They are used regularly to help with ongoing dryness and discomfort rather than only during sexual activity.
Over-the-counter options may include products containing hyaluronic acid or other moisturizing ingredients. If these products do not provide enough relief, talk with your healthcare team about other options.
Some prescription treatments, including vaginal DHEA or vaginal estrogen*, may be appropriate for some individuals. Whether these options are right for you depends on your cancer history and treatment, so discuss them with your oncologist or other healthcare provider before using them.
Medications and Other Treatment Options
If changes in sexual desire or comfort continue, there may be additional treatment options. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider may discuss:
Non-hormonal medications that may help with low sexual desire.
Medications sometimes used off-label to address changes in desire or arousal.
Local vaginal treatments that may help with dryness, irritation, or pain.
Pelvic floor physical therapy to address muscle tension, pain, or other pelvic health concerns.
Your healthcare provider can help determine which options may be appropriate for you. Do not start a medication or treatment based only on information you read online.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful for people experiencing pain, muscle tension, or other changes after cancer treatment.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate the muscles and tissues in the pelvic area and create an individualized treatment plan. Treatment may include exercises, relaxation techniques, education, and other therapies designed to improve comfort and function.
Ask your healthcare team if a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist may be appropriate for you.
Vaginal Dilators
Vaginal dilators are tools that may be recommended to help improve comfort and flexibility of vaginal tissue. They may be particularly helpful for people experiencing narrowing, tightness, or pain.
If your healthcare provider recommends dilator therapy, keep these general tips in mind:
Be consistent: Your healthcare provider may recommend using dilators several times a week. Follow the schedule that is right for you.
Use lubricant: A water-based or silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction and irritation.
Go slowly: Start with a size that feels comfortable and only increase sizes when you are ready. The goal is comfort, not speed.
Stop if you experience significant pain: Talk with your healthcare provider if dilator use is painful or becomes difficult.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Sexual health can be difficult to talk about, but you do not have to manage these changes by yourself.
Consider talking with your:
Oncologist
Gynecologist
Primary care provider
Pelvic floor physical therapist
Sexual health specialist
Mental health professional
If you are uncomfortable bringing up the topic, you can start with a simple question:
“I've noticed some changes in my sexual health since treatment. Can we talk about what might be causing them and what options are available?”
You deserve to have your concerns taken seriously.
Learning more about sexual health can help you feel more comfortable starting conversations with your healthcare team or partner. The following resources may provide additional education and support:
Books
Cancer, Sex, and Intimacy by Anne Katz
You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Casperson
Your Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski
Apps and Online Resources
Rosy: Educational resources related to women's sexual health
Oncio: Resources related to integrative oncology care
Pelvic Floor Care Resources
Looking Ahead
Reconnecting with your body and finding comfort with intimacy can be an important part of life after breast cancer. Changes in desire, comfort, confidence, and relationships are common, and you do not have to navigate them alone.
You do not have to accept pain or discomfort as something you simply have to live with. If physical or emotional changes are affecting your quality of life, talk with your healthcare team about what may be causing them and what options may be available.
Healing does not always mean returning to exactly how things were before cancer. It may mean learning what feels comfortable and right for you now. Give yourself time, be patient with yourself, and remember that your sexual health and quality of life are important parts of your overall wellbeing.