Understanding Sexual Side Effects After Breast Cancer: A Conversation Worth Having

Opening the Door to Intimacy After Treatment

Sexual side effects are not always talked about — but they should be. At Learn Look Locate, we’re committed to addressing every part of the breast cancer journey — and that includes what happens behind closed doors, in the quiet moments when survivors are left to deal with emotional and physical changes no one warned them about.

That’s why I sat down with Dr. Don Dizon, a nationally recognized Medical Oncologist and a dedicated Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate, to discuss this delicate and often overlooked topic: sexual side effects after breast cancer treatment.

Dr. Dizon made something very clear: “Sexual changes are side effects — just like any other side effect of treatment. They deserve attention, compassion, and care.”

Why Sexual Side Effects Happen After Breast Cancer Treatment

After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy, many breast cancer survivors experience a range of sexual side effects, including:
– Vaginal dryness and discomfort
– Loss of libido
– Pain during intimacy
– Emotional detachment from one’s body
– Body image challenges

These aren’t rare. They’re real. And they are valid.

What makes them even harder to process is the silence that often surrounds them. Many patients don’t even realize that what they’re experiencing is a known medical side effect — and because of that, they hesitate to speak up.

You Deserve to Talk About This

Dr. Dizon’s message was powerful: These symptoms are not something to be ashamed of — they are medical, emotional, and worthy of discussion and support.

Too often, healthcare providers don’t initiate this conversation, leaving patients to suffer in silence. But that silence has consequences.

If we don’t talk about sexual health as part of survivorship, we leave women feeling isolated — when in reality, they deserve care plans that address the whole person, not just the tumor.

How to Start the Conversation

We created this resource to help empower you to begin the conversation with your care team. You can ask:
– “Is it normal to feel pain or dryness during intimacy after treatment?”
– “Could my medication be affecting my sexual desire?”
– “Are there safe solutions or therapies to help me feel more like myself again?”

From over-the-counter lubricants to medical moisturizers and hormonal options (when safe and appropriate), there are ways to manage these symptoms. But the first step is speaking up.

Understanding the PLISSIT Model

Dr. Dizon also shared insights into the PLISSIT model — a framework that helps healthcare providers guide discussions around sensitive sexual health issues:

– Permission: Encouraging patients to bring up sexual concerns without fear or shame.
– Limited Information: Providing essential facts specific to the patient’s condition.
– Specific Suggestions: Offering actionable advice based on symptoms.
– Intensive Therapy: Referring to specialists if deeper intervention is needed.

This model allows clinicians to address these side effects thoughtfully and respectfully.

Watch the Full Interview

I invite you to watch my full video conversation with Dr. Don Dizon, available under the Educate > Treatments section of our site. Click Here

It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s something every survivor — and every care provider — needs to hear.

This Is About More Than Just Sex

This is about reclaiming confidence. Feeling connected again — to your body, your identity, your relationships.

Sexual wellness is part of whole-person healing. At Learn Look Locate, we are committed to breaking the silence and creating space for women to heal emotionally, physically, and intimately — with support from experts like Dr. Dizon.

Explore More & Take Action

We encourage you to:
– Watch the full interview with Dr. Dizon
– Read our complete resource on sexual side effects after treatment
– Talk to your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing
– Know that you are not alone, and there are options available