Impact of Multiple Myeloma on a Person's Sexual Relationships
Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, can have a significant impact on a person's sex life. This impact can be due to the disease's physical and emotional effects, as well as the side effects of treatment.
Intimacy between partners can include various activities, such as hugging, kissing, massages, and taking baths or showers together. However, for those with multiple myeloma, physical symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, and anemia may reduce overall well-being, affecting sexual health.
Certain medications used to treat multiple myeloma, such as steroids, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and bicalutamide, can cause erectile dysfunction in males and reduce sexual desire in both males and females. In females, vaginal dryness due to the disease or treatment can lead to painful intercourse.
Strategies for managing sexual health during multiple myeloma include:
- Open communication with partners and healthcare providers to address concerns and emotions related to sexual health.
- Medical management of sexual dysfunction, such as consulting a urologist about erectile dysfunction treatments.
- Psychosocial support, such as counseling or support groups, to manage mood changes, depression, or anxiety associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Addressing physical symptoms through supportive care measures, such as pain management and treating anemia, to improve overall energy and comfort.
- Lifestyle modifications that promote general health and well-being, which can indirectly benefit sexual function.
- Considering fertility preservation options before starting therapies that impair reproductive function.
Because multiple myeloma is often managed as a chronic condition with ongoing treatments, close monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach are important to address sexual health issues as part of overall quality of life.
If multiple myeloma causes negative changes to a person's sex life, they may want to discuss the issues with a doctor. A doctor can help provide care for sexual dysfunction in both males and females.
Treatments for fatigue often include regular exercise, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, counseling, getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night, avoiding exercise before trying to sleep, drinking less caffeine, prioritizing each day's activities, taking short naps or breaks, asking for help from family or friends, discussing medication changes with a doctor, and managing physical changes.
Support groups can help increase self-image and self-esteem for those with multiple myeloma, which can indirectly benefit sexual health.
In summary, multiple myeloma and its treatments can adversely affect sexual function and desire, but addressing medical, psychological, and relational factors with healthcare guidance can help improve sex life for affected individuals. It is essential to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider and to seek support when needed.
- The disease itself and its treatments can impact a person's mental health, causing anxiety and depression, which may further affect sexual health.
- Beyond medication management and counseling, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep can help alleviate fatigue and boost energy levels, potentially improving sexual health.
- Incorporating health and wellness practices like yoga, meditation, and stress management techniques into daily routines can indirectly contribute to better sexual function.
- Support groups aimed at improving mental, emotional, and social health can help build self-confidence, which may in turn boost sexual well-being.
