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What Causes Numbness In Some Areas Of Vagina?
Question: Hi, I'm 61 and brand new to hystersisters. My 64 year old wife had a laparoscopy assisted hysterectomy and BSO in 2009 for uterine sarcoma, dx adenosarcoma mixed with another sarcoma that had sex cord elements (very rare). She did not take AI, though it was offered to her by her onc. They couldn't tell degree of myometrial invasion because tumor had been chopped up by her local OBGYN in the D& C prior to dx which prevented full pathology/analysis. We have had many challenges, including some of my own dysfunctions and poor choices. How many other husbands run away during illness of wife? How do I do better? Part of that is learning about her illness - hence I have joined hystersisters. We are trying to reconcile.
My wife says sex feels very different, like there are numb spots in her vagina (her onc told her it was from cutting nerve roots), that she does not have muscular vagina like she used to, nor firmness she used to have in rest of body, that she has much diminished libido.
Her tumor is ER and PR receptive. But she wants to take testosterone or Vagifem because she thinks it will improve her libido and body tone including urinary. She thinks her onc won't let her take either, because he says no one knows about their effects. She was on HRT at time of sarcoma dx because of thyroid cancer she had in 1994, and being hyperthyroid causes osteoporosis. Are there studies on effect of replacement or local vaginal hormones or testosterone on recurrence of sarcoma? Do you have an opinion on the advisability of taking testosterone or Vagifem?
Her loss of libido bothers her a lot more than it does me. I don't mind at all that it takes her longer to have orgasm - frankly it just means more time in the sack, which is a good thing from my standpoint. But that aside, what can we / she do to improve her sex life which she feels is diminished?
Another issue is that she is starting to feel urinary incontinence - should she just suck it up, or are there things to do?
I want to support her, and would appreciate your help.
My wife says sex feels very different, like there are numb spots in her vagina (her onc told her it was from cutting nerve roots), that she does not have muscular vagina like she used to, nor firmness she used to have in rest of body, that she has much diminished libido.
Her tumor is ER and PR receptive. But she wants to take testosterone or Vagifem because she thinks it will improve her libido and body tone including urinary. She thinks her onc won't let her take either, because he says no one knows about their effects. She was on HRT at time of sarcoma dx because of thyroid cancer she had in 1994, and being hyperthyroid causes osteoporosis. Are there studies on effect of replacement or local vaginal hormones or testosterone on recurrence of sarcoma? Do you have an opinion on the advisability of taking testosterone or Vagifem?
Her loss of libido bothers her a lot more than it does me. I don't mind at all that it takes her longer to have orgasm - frankly it just means more time in the sack, which is a good thing from my standpoint. But that aside, what can we / she do to improve her sex life which she feels is diminished?
Another issue is that she is starting to feel urinary incontinence - should she just suck it up, or are there things to do?
I want to support her, and would appreciate your help.
Brief Answer:
Pelvic floor exercises will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The numbness in some areas of vagina is due to nerve damage that cannot be helped with the hormone therapy. Since her tumor is ER and PR positive it is best to avoid using any local hormones also as some systemic absorption is there from the vaginal mucosa.
The loss of libido is due to the hormonal changes in the body after Hysterectomy and BSO. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can improve her awareness of the muscles involved in pleasurable sexual sensations and increase her libido. This will help in urinary incontinence also.
Yoga and recreational exercises do wonders to increase the pelvic blood flow. Local gels for arousal can be used.
Non hormonal alternative therapies can be employed after consultation with Alternative Medicine Specialists.
Ensure there is no calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Pelvic floor exercises will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The numbness in some areas of vagina is due to nerve damage that cannot be helped with the hormone therapy. Since her tumor is ER and PR positive it is best to avoid using any local hormones also as some systemic absorption is there from the vaginal mucosa.
The loss of libido is due to the hormonal changes in the body after Hysterectomy and BSO. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can improve her awareness of the muscles involved in pleasurable sexual sensations and increase her libido. This will help in urinary incontinence also.
Yoga and recreational exercises do wonders to increase the pelvic blood flow. Local gels for arousal can be used.
Non hormonal alternative therapies can be employed after consultation with Alternative Medicine Specialists.
Ensure there is no calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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