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If you feel drier than usual, you may need to use a lubricant. There are many vaginal
lubricants available to buy from your local chemist.
You may notice slight bleeding on recommencing intercourse. This is due to the tissue
stretching and should settle.
Continue using your dilator whether you are sexually active or not as sexual intercourse
alone may not be sufficient to prevent adhesions forming.
If you are not sexually active at this time it is still advisable to use a dilator as this will
assist with medical examination.
If you feel it would be helpful to talk about any of your concerns contact your doctor or
nurse specialist.
6b. VAGINAL DISCHARGE
It is not unusual to have a vaginal discharge after treatment or for it to continue for
some time after. However, should the discharge alter in any way, (i.e. become heavier,
contains fresh blood or smells unpleasant) contact your nursing team or doctor.
6c. MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS
Some women may experience menopausal symptoms, which may be because you
have had your ovaries removed during surgery or that you have received radiotherapy
treatment.
Radiotherapy treatment may make you infertile. However, you may have a further two or
three periods following treatment.
Therefore, there is still a risk of pregnancy and you should continue with your normal
method of contraception until advised otherwise. You may be concerned about the
effect of the menopause brought on by the treatment. Some patients experience hot
flushes, feeling low in mood, tension, anxiety, irritability, vaginal dryness, loss of sex
drive and possible weight gain. Do talk to your GP or doctor at your hospital check-up,
as treatment and help may be available.
6d. VAGINAL TENDERNESS AND DISCOMFORT
• Some women have redness, tenderness or discomfort to the skin around and inside the
vagina during or after radiotherapy. This may be eased by several methods:
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Wash only with water.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Use only a recommended vaginal lubrication for intercourse and when using the dilator.
• If symptoms persist contact your doctor or nurse specialist.
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