Pain: “It hurts when I….”
Pain is defined as "whatever and whenever the patient says it is."
Cancer can cause pain. The type and intensity of discomfort are affected by the location of the tumor as well as its size. They can also be affected by pressure or by blockage of any organs.
Surgery to remove the tumor can cause pain. So can healing after the operation. Radiation can cause swelling and burning. The result is pain. Chemotherapy also causes different types of pain, most commonly neuropathy.
The goal for managing pain is to prevent it before it gets out of control. Pain medications are very important if you have cancer pain. That’s because pain can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and attitude. Pain adds to depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The idea that pain medicine causes addiction is a common myth that’s used as an excuse for not taking it. Most people with cancer pain do not become addicted. Taking pain medicine around the clock on a regular schedule for cancer pain will actually increase your quality of life.
Sexual desire is a low priority when you have pain. It’s important to talk with your health care team about types of medicine and non-medical interventions when you have pain.
To measure pain, rate your pain level on a scale of 0-10. Zero indicates no pain. Ten represents the worst pain. Using these measurements, you can evaluate how your pain medicine is working.
When you have a gynecological cancer, you may also have pain during vaginal intercourse or on penetration. Using lubricants, taking your time, and trying different positions may help with comfort. Sometimes it is hard to be spontaneous in a sexual or intimate relationship if you have pain. Planning a “date” to share time together with your partner can give you a sense of control. Taking medicine an hour before the date can also help ease symptoms that interfere with intimacy.
You may be nervous about having sex the first time after surgery. If so, you and your partner should relax and prolong foreplay. Foreplay can be anything from massage to oral or manual stimulation. Water-soluble vaginal lubricants and vaginal estrogen crèmes may ease the pain of penetration. The use of pillows behind your back or trying different positions — such as side to side — may also ease pain.