Navigating sexual intimacy after breast reconstructionDr. Ong writes about one of the struggles affecting women after breast cancer in Breast Reconstruction: A patients guide to understanding her treatment options, a supplement to Plastic Surgery News published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) during breast cancer awareness month.Are you struggling with intimacy after breast reconstruction? You are not alone!Many women share intimacy challenges after cancer treatment. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that 70 percent of the 994 cancer-treated patients who were sexually active at the time of diagnosis reported that they were still experiencing sexual difficulties two years after cancer treatment ended. ("Sexual Function After Breast Cancer, "2011) Unfortunately this topic of sexuality and intimacy may be one of the least-discussed... continue reading >
One of the great things about practicing medicine today is the growth of technology. This has resulted in an exponential growth of medical treatment options. We have not seen a steeper growth curve than now!How it all started for me3 years ago, non-surgical vaginal treatments were barely existent. In 2015, I visited a physician whom I had never previously met to learn how to help women with concerns of urinary leakage, vaginal dryness, and other intimate issues. These issues were not spoken of, even within the closest circle of friends. Little did I know that my visit to Laguna Beach, to the office of Dr. Red Alinsod, would completely change my practice and my professional life. That day, I was introduced to a small "wand"... continue reading >
For women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, your oncologist may prescribe an aromatase inhibitor as part of your cancer treatment.These medications are most often prescribed to postmenopausal women after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production of estrogen by blocking the adrenal enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase turns the hormone androgen into estrogen in women. This lessens the available estrogen in the body to stimulate the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.As with most medications, there are some side effects associated. It is important to discuss and understand all the possible side effects with your doctor before starting. One of the side effects is that it can decrease bone density over time causing women to be more... continue reading >
