Depression is a common result of both the diagnosis and the treatment of breast cancer, and it directly affects your interest in sex. If you’re depressed, sex may be the last thing you want to deal with. (You may even develop a real aversion to sex.) A sensitive partner picks up on this and holds back. But then, when you’ve recovered, your partner may continue to show no interest in sex, and you may assume it’s because you’re no longer desirable.
If you are depressed and unable to turn the corner, you need help. Try to consider therapists or group support. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the success of new medications, but you’ll have to be careful. Some therapies for depression may cause loss of libido, Medications must be carefully administered and monitored by a qualified medical professional (usually a psychiatrist). Effective dose levels are important and not always appropriately prescribed, and for many medications it takes three weeks or more for you to feel the benefit.
Depression, however, is too debilitating a condition to ignore, so be sure to seek help. There are some things that time alone doesn’t heal.
If you are taking any drug, talk to your doctor about which drug are safe for you to take.
If you’re having problems with sex, you might want to try downplaying the importance of orgasm, at least for a while. While you’re recovering, try concentrating on pleasure from touching, kissing, and imagery, rather than penis-in-vagina orgasm. De-emphasizing vaginal orgasm may actually allow it to happen again sooner than you expected.loss of libido may not be much of a problem. But if it is for you, talk to your doctor about the possibility of a hormone evaluation
