A Women's Health Conversation with Lisa Martinez

"We are all breast cancer survivors" says Lisa Martinez, Executive Director of The Women's Sexual Health Foundation. One in eight women alive today will be diagnosed with breast cancer - that's my mom, your girlfriend, my nieces, your daughter...the chain of survivorship is a tightly linked net. Surely, breast cancer does or will touch someone we love.

With medical advancements in treatment and funding supporting access for more women, today, there are over 2.1 million U.S. women who are living with breast cancer as survivors. Yet, despite many advances, cancer still has a profound impact on a woman’s physical, cognitive and sexual function. Sexual dysfunction has been said to impact 21% – 39% of breast cancer survivors and may be higher for those on hormone treatments, and even higher for women diagnosed with gynecological cancers.

Combinations of the cancer treatments are dependent upon multiple factors like the tumor size and type of cancer but all cancer treatments have side effects and the possibility of impacting the sexual esteem and function of a woman. The impact of cancer and its treatments on a
woman’s sexuality are significant. Side effects like pain and fatigue often impact a woman’s sexual function, sexual identify and feelings of attractiveness.

Estrogen antagonist treatments (i.e. Tamoxifen) for women who are estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive complicate sexual function and a woman’s sexual esteem due to the medically induced menopause. Many of these physical side effects impact a woman’s sexuality both covertly and overtly, as seen in the expression of the sexual self. Lowered immunities, lack of energy, appetite changes, bone and muscle ache and changes in physical appearance can lead to changes in intimate relationships.

Women report feelings of guilt for not being able to maintain their many roles as mother, wife,
partner and employee. Partners are often timid about initiating sexual contact out of fear of hurting her or being perceived as selfish.

If you're a breast cancer survivor, you'll want to listen to our blogtalkradio show this Saturday, May 9th at 9:30 am EST.

This is a 30-minute radio show with on-line chatting feature that is on the internet and available by first registering on the blogtalkradio home page. You will be emailed a username and password. From there follow the instructions which will take you to the show page. You can either listen through your computer (audio) or you can just simply dial in to the phone number. The phone number is (646) 929-6265. The show will be available as a downloadable podcast immediately afterwards.

Please join us!

Valentine's Day and Your Sexual Health Wake Up Call

It wouldn't surprise women to know that staying sexually active through the years provides a host of health benefits including an immune system boost. And, a Scottish study completed in 1999 found that people who enjoy sex every other day looked about seven to 12 years younger than their peers.

But with all the focus on Viagra and the little blue pill, you might be taking a back seat yourself to your sexual health and wellness.

Why not use Valentine's Day as a great excuse to put sexual health on your radar screen and integrated into your wellness plan. Here's some interesting information that might help you:

1. Did you know that anti-depressants can get in the way of your sex life? According to The Women's Sexual Health Foundation (TWSHF), more than half of women who participated in a research study were never informed of the potential side effects of taking antidepressants. Yes, 75% of those surveyed said they've had a decrease in sexual desire since starting the drug.

2. If you are taking an antidepressant, talk to your doctor about the side effects. You will need to take the lead here since most doctors do not bring up the subject with women. In another research study, TWSHF found that less than 9% of women ages 21 to over 80 are always asked by their healthcare provider if they are having sexual health difficulties. With the average time length of an office visit at 2.5 minutes, likely you'll need to have your question ready to be asked! However, doctors aren't the only resource for you. Consider talking to a nurse pracitioner or ask your provider for a referral to someone you can talk to who focuses on women's health. Be your own best advocate here and contact The Women's Sexual Health Foundation for more information.

3. You're not alone! Occassional problems are quite common. According to TWSHF, up to 43% of women in general experience sexual difficulties. This may be due to lack of awareness and discussion about post-menopausal effects of loss of estrogen and other conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and stress urinary incontinence. The term "female sexual dysfunction" has been often used in the medical and lay press to discuss the problems such as lack of desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm and painful intercourse.

But, whatever you do, don't pin your hopes on the little blue pill for women or "Fem-agra". For most women this may not end up to the miracle pill it seems to be for men. "Women's sexual functioning is by and large above the neck", says Dr. Linda Smirz, a gynecologist with the Women's Health Alliance in Carmel, California.

To get the information you need to know about sexual health and wellness...and tell your girl friends, tune in to Real Women on Health! blogtalkradio by clicking here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/realwomenonhealth on February 14th at 9:30 am or dial in on your phone at (646) 929-2625. I will be interviewing Lisa Martinez, Executive Director, The Women's Sexual Health Foundation and taking your questions live and on the chat forum.