Following diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, many women experience changes in their sexuality. In this webinar, Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in sex therapy and sexual medicine, addresses the physical, psychological, and relationship issues that often emerge and explores strategies to find happiness and fulfillment.

2. The Sex MD
DrCastellanos
The Sex MD
thesexmd

4. The importance of sex & sexuality in health and life
Problems with sexual issues resulting from cancer
and cancer treatment
Ways to address sexual issues after cancer diagnosis
and treatment

5. The importance of sex & sexuality in health and life
Problems with sexual issues resulting from cancer
and cancer treatment
Ways to address sexual issues after cancer diagnosis
and treatment

6. a. Intimacy and closeness with my partner
b. Physical feeling of sex
c. Change in my desire for sex
d. My body’s response to sexual touch and stimulation

10. physical
psychological
emotional
spiritual

12. Physical health
Psychological wellbeing
happiness
vitality
pleasure
connection
Feeling powerful
Feeling alive

13. The importance of sex & sexuality in health and life
Problems with sexual issues resulting from cancer
and cancer treatment
Ways to address sexual issues after cancer diagnosis
and treatment

15. Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Hormone Suppression

16. Body Image
Connection to Body
Sense of Femininity
Sexuality

17. Anxiety
Distance / Avoidance
Intimacy
Sadness

20. a. My doctor explained with detail what the effects on my sex life might
be and gave me an opportunity to ask questions.
b. My doctor mentioned that there may be some side effects and
mentioned what options I may have.
c. My doctor said that my sex life would be affected, but did not get
specific.
d. My doctor never mentioned the effects that the cancer or cancer
treatments would have on my sex life.

21. Feeling guilty, it’s not important
Fear of disappointment, pessimistic
Don’t want to appear greedy
Don’t want to be a bad patient

22. Feel it’s not their place
Denial – don’t ask, don’t tell
Feel they don’t have the resources
Too complicated for their expertise

23. The importance of sex & sexuality in health and life
Problems with sexual issues resulting from cancer
and cancer treatment
Ways to address sexual issues after cancer diagnosis
and treatment

24. a. Not important at all – I don’t believe it has any effect on my life
b. Mildly important – it may have some small effect, but no significant
impact
c. Significantly important – I think that it has an effect and it adds to my
life
d. Very important – I think that its effects are undeniably connected to
who I am and that it’s a vital part of my health and happiness

27. Partner
Providers
Friends & Family
Support each other

28. Sense of Sexuality & Body Image
Focus on Pleasure rather than what’s lost
Gratitude Exercises
Sensual Exercises

29. Body Image
- clothing
- pillows
- lighting

30. Non-Hormonal
- Replens®
- Silicone lubricant
- Coconut oil
- Dilator Therapy

31. Hormonal
Tabs, suppositories
Estradiol rings, gels, creams
DHEA suppositories

32. Black Cohosh
Flax Seed (not oil), ground & use
immediately: 1-3 Tbsp daily
paroxetine (Paxil®, Brisdelle®) or
venlafaxine (Effexor®)

33. Regular Sexual Activity
Masturbation
Vibrator Therapy

34. Sexuality is a part of who you are which can
never be lost, but can be affected
Communication and connection is vital
Focus on what you have in order to enhance
your experience

35. The Sex MD
DrCastellanos
The Sex MD
thesexmd
Wanting to Want: What Kills Your Sex Life & How to
Keep It Alive (Available on Amazon)