Blogs > Using a dilator to improve your sexual health

Using a dilator to improve your sexual health

  • 3 Min. Read
  • 07/30/20
video
general_content

Christy Greenleaf, diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, shares how using a dilator and seeing a pelvic floor therapist helped to improve her sexual health, and was a “game changer.” She recommends being a strong advocate for what is important to you for all of your wellness concerns.

Christy was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in July 2019 at the age of 42. Her mission is to educate women (men as well) on the importance of mammograms and to empower women to advocate for themselves and their health while maintaining a positive outlook when faced with adversity.

Learn more about tools for maintaining your sexual health from sexologist Jill McDevitt, PhD.

related_resources_article_carousel

Related resources

Sexual side effects

02/12/24 | BY: Anne Katz, Eleonora Teplinsky

It’s normal to lose interest in sex at times after a diagnosis. Breast cancer treatments or the cancer itself can cause fatigue, pain, and other side effects that impact your sex life.

Read More
 | 7 Min. Read |

Side effects

02/04/22 | BY: Sameer Gupta

Side effects are unwanted reactions to medical treatments and can be among the most upsetting parts of being treated for breast cancer. There are many things you can do to help prevent and manage side effects.

Read More
 | 8 Min. Read |

Talking with your partner about sex

08/13/20 | BY: Don S. Dizon, Michael Krychman, Anne Katz, Helen Coons, Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, Susan Kellogg-Spadt

Communication is key to keeping relationships strong, but it’s not always easy to start a conversation about sex. Our community offers some tips to get the dialogue started.

Read More
 | 6 Min. Read

If you feel pain during sex

11/04/19 | BY: Don S. Dizon

Breast cancer treatment can cause side effects that affect your sexual life, including pain during intercourse or penetration. If this is happening, it’s very important to talk with your healthcare provider.

Read More
 | 5 Min. Read |

Dating during and after breast cancer

06/19/18 | BY: Anne Katz

The thought of dating after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment might make you nervous, exhilarated, cautious or curious. And you may feel all those at the same time!

Read More
 | 11 Min. Read |

Sex & intimacy

08/31/15 | BY: Don S. Dizon, Michael Krychman, Anne Katz, Helen Coons, Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, Susan Kellogg-Spadt

For many people, sexual feelings are an important part of everyday living. So is intimacy, an emotional closeness with another person.

Read More
 | 4 Min. Read |

Talking with your healthcare team about sex

08/31/15 | BY: Don S. Dizon, Michael Krychman, Anne Katz, Helen Coons, Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, Susan Kellogg-Spadt

Your healthcare team is focused on treating the cancer, but they can also address quality of life issues, including sex. Many providers are sensitive to this issue and want to help you if you have concerns or issues.

Read More
 | 4 Min. Read |

Maintaining sexual life

08/31/15 | BY: Helen Coons, Don S. Dizon, Anne Katz, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, Michael Krychman, Kara Nakisbendi, Sabitha Pillai-Friedman

A breast cancer diagnosis, regardless of your relationship status, doesn't spell the end of a fulfilling sexual life. Life adjustments and insights from your experience can enrich relationships and renew joy in your body.

Read More
 | 8 Min. Read
stay_connected

Stay connected

Sign up to receive emotional support, medical insight, personal stories, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly.

about_this_page_tabbed_module
About this page
Glossary
About LBBC

Tagged:

Was this page helpful?

Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.