Vaginal dryness caused by cancer treatment

Why Can Cancer Therapy Cause Vaginal Dryness?

Cancer is often treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy aggressive cancer cells and prevent their further growth. Although many oncological treatment methods can be very targeted and comparatively gentle, they are not always completely free of side effects. In addition to the burden caused by the disease itself, various side effects can occur during 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 radiation. It can be used as a monotherapy or as part of a combination therapy. Different types of radiation are 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 tissue 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 vaginal tissue. 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, leading to well-known side effects like dry and itchy skin, diarrhea, and hair loss. Often overlooked is that the skin of the vagina and the external 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, representing an additional physical and emotional 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 because it can be involved in the growth of certain tumors. Therefore, antihormone therapy may use various medications to suppress the body's natural estrogen production or block the effect of existing estrogen. This is intended to inhibit the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors. However, estrogens also influence the production of vaginal fluid and the health of vaginal tissue. Therefore, anti-estrogens, GnRH analogs, or aromatase inhibitors used in antihormone therapy can also affect vaginal tissue. Vaginal dryness in the vagina, at the vaginal entrance, and in the external intimate area, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain, is a common consequence.

Conclusion

Female cancer patients can suffer from vaginal dryness during treatment due to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or antihormone therapy. This can lead to pain, itching, or discomfort. These symptoms can further reduce the quality of life for 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.