PROVIDENCE – Many women experience sexual intimacy issues as a side effect of battling cancer and undergoing treatment for it. For them, a diverse team of caregivers at Women & Infants Hospital has created the Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Health Center to offer help and hope.
Difficulties with intimacy can occur both during and after cancer treatments, and can include vaginal dryness, itching or burning; pain during intercourse; decreased sexual desire or less pleasure during intercourse and changes in body image as a result of surgery of the effects of treatment.
“This is the first program in the region to address sexuality in a comprehensive, holistic manner,” says Dr. Katina Robison, medical director of WISH and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “This is an important quality of life issue for women that we want to help them through.”
WISH, which is part of the Program in Women’s Oncology and Breast Health Center at Women & Infants, includes various specialists who can help patients enjoy intimate moments again. These include breast and gynecologic health specialists, medical oncologists, nurse practitioners, sex therapists and physical therapists specializing in pelvic floor issues.
The solutions, according to Robison, can be very simple or can combine several resources including the use of lubricants and moisturizers, targeted physical therapy, emotional support and talk therapy.
All the WISH services are offered at the Program in Women’s Oncology in Providence, a Commission on Cancer-designated cancer center. In addition, the Breast Health Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers with a breast fellowship that is accredited by the Society of Surgical Oncology.
Women seeking help with intimacy concerns should first speak with their oncologist or primary care physician for a referral to the Center. Call 401-453-7520 to make an appointment.
