Videos for Survivors

Video: Simple Strategies to Improve Sexual and Vaginal Health

Runtime

6:00

There are several strategies women can use to cope with the sexual and vaginal side effects of premature menopause in a cancer setting. Jeanne Carter, a clinical psychologist and certified sexual health therapist, talks about the use of vaginal lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, pelvic floor exercises, and vaginal dilator therapy.

Speaker(s)

Jeanne Carter, PhD

Jeanne Carter - Physician Profile

Playlist(s)

Female Sexual and Vaginal Health after Cancer Treatment

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cope (kope)

To adjust to new situations and overcome problems.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

dilator (DY-lay-ter)

A device used to stretch or enlarge an opening.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

menopause (MEH-nuh-pawz)

The time of life when a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones and menstrual periods stop. Natural menopause usually occurs around age 50. A woman is said to be in menopause when she hasn’t had a period for 12 months in a row. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, trouble concentrating, and infertility.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pelvic (PEL-vik)

Having to do with the pelvis (the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

psychologist (sy-KAH-loh-jist)

A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

vaginal (VA-jih-nul)

Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)