Breast Cancer and Intimacy- Can CBD & Cannabis Help?

Breast Cancer Diagnosis + Intimacy: Can CBD & Cannabis Help Maintain Emotional and Physical Connections?

In my previous post on Breast Cancer, I briefly touched up on how breast cancer affects a person in so many ways beyond the physical. This idea was inspired by my memories of my mothers personal struggles as she fought breast cancer. As I mentioned on air that week, I vividly remember how the hair loss affected her mood and sense of self. In my practice, many of my patients feel comfortable sharing with me their struggles beyond pain and mood. As a result, I’ve come to a greater understanding of how breast cancer significantly alters many aspects of life, including intimacy and relationships. 

Patients often face physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that can affect both sexual and non-sexual forms of connection with their partners. I recently had a conversation with a woman who purchases our Intimate Oil that I was inspired to make for my patients. She told me about her cancer diagnosis and how intimacy with her husband was very important to her despite her surgeries, treatments etc. She was also a little upset that we were out of stock and kindly suggested that we step up our game lol. 🙃

That discussion inspired me to write this post which explores how breast cancer impacts intimacy and offers insights into traditional treatments, holistic approaches, and options like cannabis and CBD. The goal is to provide breast cancer patients and their partners practical solutions to maintain and improve intimacy after diagnosis.

Ok, that being said…let's get busy 😈

 Understanding Breast Cancer and Its Impact on Intimacy

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often forming a tumor. The disease affects many aspects of a person’s life, including intimacy and sexual health. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy can lead to significant changes in body image and emotional well-being, making it challenging to maintain intimate relationships. Research indicates that 75% of women treated for breast cancer experience some form of sexual dysfunction, including hypoactive sexual desire, difficulty with arousal, and pain during intercourse.

If you want to learn more about CBD + breast cancer and women's health issues you can find plenty of good info here. 

Demographics: Who’s Affected?

Breast cancer affects people from all demographics, but certain groups face higher risks. The average age of diagnosis is 62, and African American women under 40 are more likely to experience aggressive forms of breast cancer. Socioeconomic status also plays a role, as women from lower-income households often face barriers to early screenings, leading to more advanced diagnoses.

Pearls: 

• Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over 50, but younger women, especially African American women, face higher risks of aggressive forms of the disease.
• Socioeconomic barriers to screening contribute to later-stage diagnoses, making early detection key for all demographics.

 The Role of Non-Sexual Intimacy for Breast Cancer Patients

Non-sexual intimacy is equally important as sexual intimacy, especially for breast cancer survivors dealing with body image changes and treatment side effects. Emotional closeness, physical affection without sexual pressure, and open communication can help breast cancer patients feel supported and valued during their recovery. Acts of non-sexual intimacy, like holding hands or engaging in shared activities, help maintain closeness during times when sexual function may be limited

Physical and emotional intimacy releases oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," which reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being. This can alleviate common issues like anxiety and depression faced by many breast cancer survivors.

A recent study reported that survivors who maintained non-sexual intimate relationships experienced better mental health outcomes compared to those who didn’t.

Examples of Non-Sexual Intimacy:

• Emotional Support: Sharing thoughts, feelings, and fears can create a deeper connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Physical Closeness Without Intercourse: Cuddling, hugging, or just spending time together offers comfort and security.

• Shared Activities: Cooking, walking, or participating in hobbies together can strengthen emotional ties.

• Acts of Service: Helping each other with day-to-day tasks or providing care when needed fosters a deep sense of partnership and understanding.

Pearls: 

• Emotional bonding and non-sexual physical closeness can lower anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients.
• Oxytocin, released during emotional and physical closeness, helps cancer survivors manage stress and enhances relationship satisfaction.

 Traditional Treatments for Sexual Dysfunction After Breast Cancer

Sexual dysfunction is common among breast cancer survivors due to treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. Symptoms like vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and a reduced libido can make intimacy difficult. However, several traditional treatments can help alleviate these symptoms.

One study found that 83% of breast cancer survivors experienced hypoactive sexual desire disorder, 40% struggled with arousal disorders, and 33% dealt with dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

These challenges highlight the need for early intervention and discussions with healthcare providers about sexual health.

Types of Traditional Treatments:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Often effective for managing menopause-like symptoms but not recommended for many breast cancer survivors due to the risk of stimulating cancer growth.

• Topical Estrogen: A localized treatment for vaginal dryness, though it carries risks for women with hormone-sensitive cancers.

• Lubricants: Non-hormonal solutions that provide temporary relief from vaginal dryness.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Treatments:

• Pros: These treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve sexual comfort.

• Cons: Hormone-based treatments carry risks, especially for breast cancer survivors, while lubricants only offer short-term relief.

Pearls: 

• Hormone replacement therapy can help with menopause symptoms but may increase the risk of cancer recurrence.
• Topical estrogen provides symptom relief but should be used with caution in hormone-sensitive cancers.

 Holistic Approaches to Managing Sexual Health

Holistic treatments focus on the mind-body connection, offering an alternative approach to managing sexual dysfunction. These treatments include acupuncture, yoga, pelvic floor therapy, and herbal supplements like ginseng and maca root.

Types of Holistic Treatments:

• Acupuncture and Yoga: These practices can reduce stress, increase blood flow, and improve overall relaxation.

• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Strengthens pelvic muscles to reduce discomfort during intercourse.

• Herbal Supplements: Some, like ginseng and maca root, have been studied for their ability to enhance libido.

Pros and Cons of Holistic Treatments:

• Pros: Non-invasive and natural, focusing on overall wellness.

• Cons: Results can vary, and herbal supplements may interact with medications, so medical oversight is necessary.

Pearls: 

• Acupuncture and yoga reduce stress and improve relaxation, which may enhance intimacy.
• Herbal supplements like maca root and ginseng show promise for boosting libido, though more research is needed.

 Cannabis and CBD: Potential Benefits for Intimacy and Sexual Health

Cannabis and CBD are increasingly recognized for their potential benefits in managing symptoms like pain and mental health issues, all of which affect intimacy. Cannabis, particularly CBD, has anti-inflammatory and calming effects that can enhance intimacy for breast cancer patients.

Routes of Administration and Benefits

• Intimate Oils (lubricants): Can be used internally and externally. Can provide increased pleasure sensations and orgasm potential while decreasing pain during and after sexual activity.

• Edibles: Offer long-lasting effects, useful for mood enhancement but not ideal for immediate relief.

• Topical products: Provide localized pain relief without systemic effects, making them ideal for women experiencing muscle/ body pain during intercourse.

• Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping): Provides quick relief from anxiety or pain but may carry risks to lung health.

• Sublingual Tinctures: Fast-acting with more controlled dosages, making them a good option for managing symptoms without the delayed onset of edibles.

Pearls: 

• CBD intimate oils can provide targeted relief from pain during intercourse without the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Sublingual tinctures offer faster symptom relief than edibles, making them ideal for managing anxiety or pain.

 Rolling It Up

Breast cancer can deeply affect both sexual and non-sexual intimacy. Traditional treatments like hormone therapy and lubricants offer some relief, while holistic methods like acupuncture and yoga help manage symptoms naturally. Cannabis and CBD are proving effective for managing discomfort and anxiety, especially but are also being recognized for their potential sexual benefits. 

Maintaining non-sexual intimacy, such as through emotional bonding and physical closeness, is also critical for overall well-being. Couples navigating breast cancer should focus on both physical and emotional connections to strengthen their relationship and improve quality of life. 

As always, if you’re going to try any new supplements or products, I recommend you speak with a healthcare provider first. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us, because those interactions are very insightful and inspiring for me. Last but not least- if you’re going to purchase CBD products, the ones I trust and recommend can be found here.

PS: Our intimate oil will be back in stock very soon. You can say that phone call inspired me to step up my game 💪🏿

Pearls: 

• Non-sexual intimacy, such as emotional bonding and physical closeness, is crucial for breast cancer patients’ emotional health.
• Cannabis and CBD, particularly in topical and sublingual forms, offer promising relief for managing symptoms of sexual dysfunction.