Sex with hormone-positive receptor breast tumors

VeryConcerned

1- Does a woman's sex or orgasm release hormones that can fuel the growth of estrogen-positive tumors? 2- If so, should these women abstain from sex or avoid climax? 3- Would it do the same while on anti-hormone therapy such as Arimidex or Faslodex? 4- Does it make any difference if they are post-menopausal? 5- Can anybody cite some literature or study where I can read about these issues?

Kimmy15

I have the same concerns. I am going to speak to my doctor about it.

VeryConcerned

Did your doctor give you any info? Any reference that we can read?

BarredOwl

Other than short-term limits on post-surgical physical activity, I have never seen anyone's Medical Oncologist suggest or advise that breast cancer survivors of ER and/or PR positive DCIS and/or invasive disease should have any restrictions in that regard (with or without endocrine therapy). To the contrary, a number of threads here share information and advice received from care providers to help overcome possible challenges in this area. See, for example:

I want my MOJO back!: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/150/topics/69566?page=123#post_4938690

A recent clinical guideline regarding Survivorship Care covers sexual function and dysfunction, with no mention of any of the restrictions hypothesized above. See, for example:

ASCO / ACS Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline (2015): http://ascopubs.org/doi/pdf/10.1200/JCO.2015.64.3809

If you have any concern or worry, please ask your Medical Oncologist to ease your mind, as it would be a shame to needlessly restrict yourself from healthy activity or needlessly worry about it.

BarredOwl

VeryConcerned

Thanks so much for responding to my post and for posting those links. I will certainly read them.

ksusan

I haven't heard or read anything to support this. Actually, my new oncological gynecologist directed me to have 3 orgasms a week to keep vaginal tissue plasticity. I assume she'd know if there were a contraindication for hormone-receptive tumors, which I had.

amylsp

Orgasms release endorphins (our brain's 'feel good' chemicals) and bring lots of blood to the vaginal tissues. No contraindications that I know of. and I have spoken with both my MO and Gynocologist frankly about sex.

RobinLT

ksusan wow! Three orgasms a week! I am going to pretend MY doctor said that! 😁

HappyHammer

Robin.....HAHAHA!  Gotta' keep a sense of humor with some of this...you have.