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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Vaginal Dryness While On Tamoxifen And Herceptin?

Hello I’m a 28 yo woman who was diagnosed and started treatment for triple positive breast cancer in October last year. I am currently on zoladex, tamoxifen, herceptin and perjeta alongside venlafaxine and codeine phosphate to control side effects. I’m in chemically induced menopause. Since the middle of chemo I have had intermittent issues with dryness down below. For the last few months I have been experiencing pain and discomfort when having sex. Even using lubrication doesn’t help much, my vagina just feels very tight. Even just getting a finger in is painful and difficult. There has been no bleeding. Since the last two days I have also developed a sharp shooting pain above the hood of my clitoris. On examination it is not red or swollen and there is no evidence of any wounds or similar. It’s mainly just painful when touched and does not cause me pain when sitting or walking. But any kind of sexual activity has now become impossible. I’m recently married and this is really bothering me. Do you have any suggestions on what it could be or how to make it better?
Tue, 2 Jan 2018
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can.
Vaginal dryness is common and usually result of lack of estrogens but some other less common causes may be present.The most common treatment for vaginal dryness due to low estrogen levels is topical estrogen therapy. In order to keep the vagina more lubricated, try using a vaginal moisturizer (Replens). You use a disposable applicator such as Vagifem to insert a tablet into your vagina once a day for the first two weeks of treatment.Avoid using douches, bubble baths, scented soaps, and lotions around the sensitive vaginal area. These products can worsen dryness.
I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
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What Causes Vaginal Dryness While On Tamoxifen And Herceptin?

Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can. Vaginal dryness is common and usually result of lack of estrogens but some other less common causes may be present.The most common treatment for vaginal dryness due to low estrogen levels is topical estrogen therapy. In order to keep the vagina more lubricated, try using a vaginal moisturizer (Replens). You use a disposable applicator such as Vagifem to insert a tablet into your vagina once a day for the first two weeks of treatment.Avoid using douches, bubble baths, scented soaps, and lotions around the sensitive vaginal area. These products can worsen dryness. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time. Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.