Schover listed a number of factors that may cause a woman with breast cancer to have a decrease in sexual desire. These can help identify a woman who may benefit from interventions to address her concerns. The author is from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Psychological factors that may contribute to a decrease in desire or interest in sex:
(1) fear of pain during sexual activity
(2) depression
(3) anxiety
(4) poor self image (no longer attractive, etc)
Physical symptoms that may reduce a woman's interest in sex:
(1) pain and discomfort during sexual activity
(2) chronic fatigue
(3) nausea
(4) decreased tactile sensation in the breast following surgery
Drug or endocrine factors:
(1) adverse side effects of medications
(2) possible association with decreased androgens
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