Vaginal dryness caused by cancer treatment

Why can cancer treatment cause vaginal dryness?

Cancer diseases are often treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy the aggressive cancer cells and prevent their further growth. Although many oncological treatment methods can be carried out very precisely and comparatively gently, they are not always completely free of side effects. In addition to the burden caused by the disease itself, various side effects can occur under radiation, chemotherapy, or the use of anti-estrogens. In women, the most common side effect is vaginal dryness.

The use of radiation therapy and its effect on mucous membranes

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment method for a variety of cancers. It is used to destroy cancer cells by exposing them to strong rays. It can be used as a sole treatment or as part of a combined therapy. There are different types of rays used in treatment, such as X-rays, gamma rays, and protons. Radiation therapy can help relieve symptoms and slow the growth of cancer cells. Although radiation therapy is an effective treatment method, it can also have serious side effects. These include skin irritation, fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Long-term side effects such as hair loss, infections, and organ damage can also occur. Radiation therapy in the pelvic area can also have unwanted effects on the vaginal skin and lead to vaginal dryness. In specific cancers of the lower abdomen, such as cervical cancer, radiation can be targeted to eliminate cancer cells. Unfortunately, this can also affect healthy tissue of the vagina. Consequences can include pain, itching, or vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness caused by chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to treatment with so-called cytostatics. These affect cell division and are intended to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy can also affect rapidly dividing cells such as hair roots, skin, and mucous membranes, which leads to the well-known side effects like dry and itchy skin, diarrhea, and hair loss. Often it is forgotten that the skin of the vagina and the outer intimate area can also be vulnerable to the negative effects of chemotherapy. Despite the focus on treating the tumor disease, vaginal dryness – depending on its severity – can cause significant distress and unpleasant symptoms, which represent an additional physical and mental burden.

Vaginal dryness caused by hormone therapy

In some types of cancer, especially most forms of breast cancer, the female sex hormone estrogen plays a central role, as it can be involved in the growth of certain tumors. Therefore, anti-hormone therapy can use various medicines to suppress the natural, bodily production of estrogen or to block the effect of existing estrogen. In this way, the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors is intended to be inhibited. However, estrogens also influence the production of vaginal fluid and the health of the vaginal skin. Therefore, anti-estrogens, GnRH analogues, or aromatase inhibitors used in anti-hormone therapy can also affect the vaginal skin. Vaginal dryness in the vagina, at the vaginal entrance, and in the outer intimate area, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain, is often the result.

Conclusion

Women with cancer can suffer from vaginal dryness during treatment due to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or anti-hormone therapy. This can lead to pain, itching, or discomfort. These symptoms can further reduce the quality of life of those affected. This is exactly where CANNEFF VAG SUP suppositories with CBD can help! It is a non-hormonal treatment that can help relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness and improve quality of life.