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Specialized Physical Therapy for Pelvic Cancer Treatment
Physical therapy for pelvic cancer can relieve pain with sex and general pelvic pain that results from gynecological cancer of the female reproductive organs.
Types of Gynecologic Cancer
- Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. (The uterus is also called the womb.)
- Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are located on each side of the uterus.
- Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis where the baby grows when she is pregnant.
- Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, which is the hollow, tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body.
- Vulvar cancer begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organs.
CDC, 2020
Each of these types of cancers has different signs and symptoms, varying risk factors, and different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. Physical therapy for pelvic cancer can help reverse the negative symptoms of many forms of pelvic cancer.
Treatment of Gynecologic Cancer
According to the CDC, when gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is more effective.
Types of Treatment
Gynecologic cancers are treated in different manners, depending on the type of cancer and its spread (stage). Women with a gynecologic cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.
- Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
- Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
- Radiation: Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.
Sexual Problems and Cancer Treatment
Sexual problems are a side effect of cancer treatment that oncologists don’t often talk about, but there are treatments to help, including the physical therapy for pelvic cancer that we do at Femina. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, stem cell transplantations, and other procedures can negatively affect quality of life, including sexual health and happiness. These side effects are not limited to cancers of the sexual organs either. Cancer treatment anywhere in the body (cervix, breast, throat, GI tract) can lead to changes in sexuality.
Up to 64% of women affected by cancer experience “altered sexuality”—their sex lives just feel different than they did before. There are physical side effects like fatigue, nausea, dry, painful, itchy, and burning vaginal tissues, and hormonal changes which make sex unappealing and painful. Altered self-image, depression, and anxiety can make it hard to connect with others and feel intimacy. These effects can last years after cancer treatment. If you are currently experiencing these effects you are not alone, and there are treatments using physical therapy for pelvic cancer that can help.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
The therapists at Femina can help with some of the sexual problems that you may be feeling. Therapy may include:
- We offer a comprehensive cancer survivor rehabilitation program, including Lymphaedema therapy.
- Dilator therapy to help with pain with penetration and to prevent or reverse scarring if your vaginal tissues are affected
- Exercises for pelvic muscles to lower pain, improve bladder retention, improve bowel function, and increase the flow of blood to the area, which can improve your sexual health
- Skincare and hygiene regimens to reduce vulvar tissue thinning, irritation, and dryness—including vaginal lubricants and moisturizers
- Manual lymphatic drainage for tight, aching, or provoked pain in extremities, vulva, breast, armpits, and chest wall
- Therapeutic yoga to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce chronic pain
- Neuromuscular re-education and autogenic relaxation to reduce chronic muscle over-activity, reduce pain, and improve sleep
Consult with your Doctor
Unfortunately, not all doctors and nurses are equipped or comfortable with asking about sexual health. Most women can be sexually active during treatment, but you’ll want to confirm this with your doctor. You have every right to bring it up—be empowered to do so.
Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, OSW-C, CST, offers the following suggestions in her article, “Your Sexual Health and Cancer: What to Know, What to Do” for the American Society of Clinical Oncology:
Write Down Questions and Requests Before Your Appointment
It's easier to remember things you want to bring up with your doctor before your visit. If you are feeling shy, you might even be able to show it to them.
Example: “I am experiencing pain with penetration and vaginal dryness. I would like a referral to a pelvic floor therapist to address these issues.”
Write down your questions and requests and hand them to your health care provider or email/fax them before your next appointment. You can also bring someone with you to your appointment to help you address your concerns.
If you are having sexual pain right now: What you can do
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Ask a health care professional to explore potential causes and treatments for changes in your sexual health and function. - Schedule an appointment with a pelvic floor therapist.
Get a comprehensive evaluation with a pelvic floor therapist to establish a treatment plan and goals for your road to sexual health and recovery. - Explore other avenues for intimacy.
Sex isn’t the only form of intimacy. Skin is the largest sex organ and the brain is the most important sex organ. Don’t be afraid to explore. If you need more support, consider finding a therapist who specializes in sexuality. - Plan for sex and intimacy.
Engage in sex and intimacy during the times of day you have the least fatigue or feel at your best. Time sex and intimacy with your medication schedule so that you don’t feel nauseous or tired. Adjust the temperature of the room so you are comfortable and have any supplies (lubes, condoms) nearby. - Communicate your needs.
Ask for what you want and need from your partner(s) and health care team. You possess the best knowledge of what you are feeling and what you need. - Take it easy.
Rest during sex if you need to; it’s not a marathon.
Whatever your path is, you have many options to explore, including physical therapy for pelvic cancer. Your sexuality is important, and you should feel empowered to bring it up with your team of providers.
Resources:
Coady D, Kennedy V. (2016). Sexual Health in Women Affected by Cancer: Focus on Sexual Pain. Obstet Gynecol. 128(4):775-91
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27607852
National Cancer Institute. (ND). Sexual Health Issues in Women.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sexuality-women
CDC. What is Gynecologic Cancer.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/what-is-gynecologic-cancer.htm
CDC. How are Gynecologic Cancers Treated?
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/treatment.htm
CDC. What are the Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer?
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/symptoms.htm
CDC. What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk?
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/prevention.htm
Bolte, S. (2017). Your Sexual Health and Cancer: What to Know, What to Do.
https://www.cancer.net/blog/2017-03/your-sexual-health-and-cancer-what-know-what-do
