Some drugs given during chemo treatment may affect a woman's hormones, causing hot flashes and dryness of the vagina.
Vaginal Dryness
According to Cleveland Clinic, the following tips have helped:
- Use water based vaginal lubricants such as K-Y jelly, Lubrin, Surgilube or Astroglide.
- These are located in the feminine hygiene section or birth control section of your pharmacy or drug store.
- Place the lubricant inside of your vagina with your fingers and on your partner's penis just prior to penetration.
- Another vaginal dryness treatment option would be a vaginal moisturizer, such as Replens, which may be use three times a week.
- Avoid use of vaseline as a vaginal lubricant as it can increase the chances and severity of vaginal yeast infections.
- If inadequate sexual arousal is the cause of vaginal dryness, then you must explore your feelings to determine why this is a concern.
- Some women with low blood estrogen levels may experience vaginal dryness. In this case, if topical lubricants aren't effective, and if your healthcare provider permits, you may use a conjugated estrogen cream daily for 10 days, then every other day. If you have a hormone dependent cancer, estrogen therapy may not be right for you.
Hot Flashes
The most effective way to manage hot flashes is through hormone replacement therapy. For information, speak with your doctor.
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