What do you do when you don't feel like having sex?

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redheadace1
redheadace1 Member Posts: 212
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hello, ladies. A year and a half ago I had my ovaries and my uterus removed. Since I had ER/PR+ DCIS, I am unable to take hormone replacement therapy. My relationship is suffering. I have no libido. I feel dead inside. 

 I've asked my doc about testosterone cream; they don't seem to think I should use it.

I don't want to lose my boyfriend. I love him, but I don't want to have sex. I used to like to have my breasts touched, now it just feels uncomfortable. Not sure why. I've tried having sex when I don't really want to, but since I have a history of sexual abuse, that doesn't usually turn out well.

What do you tell your mate/do when he/she wants to have sex and you don't? What do you do when it goes on for months? I feel dishonest. I feel untrue to myself. I feel as though I should let him go to someone who wants to give him what he needs.

I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you. 

Comments

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2011

    I can't believe your doctor hasn't suggested anything/therapy. Have you considered going to a therapist? It sounds like your issue might also be psychological not just physical. That's not unusual. No shame in getting some help to deal with the issue. It does take some women a bit longer to swing back into it. Couple that with the physical/horomone loss it can be challenging.

    I will admit it's a bit more work to get "worked up." Do you do anything for vaginal dryness? Is that part of the issue too?

  • Connie07
    Connie07 Member Posts: 636
    edited March 2011

    I usually resort to a subject change, but even that doesnt work all the time.Progesteron is a cream and its said to help.  And for dryness try Replens.

    also an herbal called Passion Flower promises a more positive recepton.

     Gotta use the hubby too,

    Good luck.

    Connie

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    Try "OH YES" water based for dryness order it over the net. . a Syntic progesterone may help libdo.  Im with Lago cant believe they havent suggested anything/therapy.

  • voraciousreader
    voraciousreader Member Posts: 7,496
    edited April 2011

    Read erotic literature too!

  • timerdog
    timerdog Member Posts: 159
    edited April 2011

    I can relate to not have the one boob I have to not getting touched. My BF goes overtime on it and it just becomes sore and under comfortable, lucky for me I have him trained to move south where ( after a bit of teaching ) he has become very good. 

    I think a bit of therapy would really help as well. I have to admit that it my case my libido has not suffered except for the 1st week after chemo where I am too sore from peeing out all those toxic chemicals. 

  • lindatwo
    lindatwo Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2011

    I too have had a lack of libido, not only that, but intercourse is also painful.  I am sure it is from the Femara.  It is very frustrating, and no amount of erotic literature helps!  I saw my GP, and asked about Progesterone vaginal cream.  He reluctantly gave me a RX for it, but he also called my oncologist who had a fit!  I did fill the prescription, and used it once.  It was extremely messy, and it kind of scared me thinking I was defeating the purpose of taking an AI, so haven't used it since.  I mentioned vaginal dryness on another thread, and using extra virgin coconut oil was suggested.  My husband has been great, and up until now, I have just tried to think of it as satisfying him, but it is hard when it is painful.  The coconut oil has helped a lot, and I think it has even helped me get into the mood.  (I used it nightly, not just during sex.)

  • tsevin
    tsevin Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2013

    It's been 2.5 years since my DIEP flap procedure and I'm still having issues with how I look and not wanting to be touched by my husband.  I too was abused as a child and my self-esteem is low as well as my libido since my surgery.  I did not continue with the Tamox after trying it 3x as the side effects were horrible and different each time I went back on it.  It was like my body was telling me it was toxic.  I was on anxiety meds too (Effexor for hot flashes/night sweats) and got off of those because of libido and foggy brain issues.  I'm still dealing with issues related to menopause and Hypothyroidism.  I'm a trainwreck aren't I? LOL!  I see my Oncologist tomorrow to address signs of the Hypothyroidism (again), now that my hair started falling out a couple of months ago.  I started taking a natural Thyroid Energy supplement in Dec., which has helped with the foggy brain, dry skin, always cold/low body temp, and IBS (which I've had for 12 yrs.!).  I did see an Endocrinologist in Apr. 2012 who was rude and said it was just menopause and I had to just learn to live with it!  My TSH and T panels were on the low end of normal.  My half-sister was diagnosed two years ago with Hypothyroidism, but the Endo said I wasn't low enough to treat.  I think it's time for another opinion!  I'm having marital problems because of all this bodily craziness going on.  I'm hoping the Oncologist will have some answers for me tomorrow.  Prayers would be appreciated.  Smile 

  • LindaKR
    LindaKR Member Posts: 1,577
    edited January 2013

    tsevin - TonLee has a fount of information on thyroid - My daughter has had thyroid issues since she was 11, and they are getting worse again now, she's almost 20.  We're seeing an endo later this month again.  TonLee was telling me about Armour thyroid and Levothyroxine mixed helping when you have symptoms, but your numbers are in range. 

  • JamieB86
    JamieB86 Member Posts: 397
    edited January 2013

    I have hypothyroidism that is treated with Armour Thyroid.  Even though my thyroid levels are slightly elevated now, my symptoms are gone.  When the dosage was lowered, they returned.  The "normal" levels aren't for everyone.

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