Tips for improving your intimate hygiene during cancer treatment

Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia are common side effects in women undergoing cancer treatment. With proper care, specific products and medical support, it is possible to improve intimate comfort and quality of life.

What gynaecological symptoms may occur during cancer treatment?

Cancer treatments — such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy — affect rapidly regenerating tissues, such as the vaginal mucosa. Furthermore, they induce early or temporary menopause, drastically reducing oestrogen levels. This hormonal drop is the main cause of symptoms such as:

• Vaginal dryness: caused by a decrease in oestrogen, this affects the vaginal mucosa, leading to discomfort such as stinging, itching, a burning sensation and tightness.
• Dyspareunia: pain during sexual intercourse, resulting from a lack of lubrication and atrophy of the vaginal tissues.
• Vulvovaginal atrophy: also known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), this manifests as thinning of the mucous membrane, loss of elasticity and an increased risk of infections.
• Changes in libido and post-coital bleeding.

These symptoms affect not only the physical but also the emotional sphere, impacting the patient’s self-esteem, sex life and general well-being.

Why does vaginal dryness occur?

Cancer treatments affect rapidly renewing cells, such as those in the vaginal mucosa. Furthermore, they induce early or transient menopause, reducing oestrogen levels. This hormonal decline is the main cause of dryness and dyspareunia.

How can vaginal dryness and dyspareunia be relieved?

The approach must be holistic, combining healthy lifestyle habits, mindful eating, emotional support and an intimate care routine that respects the physiology of the vulvovaginal area.

Here are 4 steps to improve your intimate care:

• Use an intimate hygiene product with a milk-like texture that has moisturising and emollient properties. Lubripiù Intimate Hygiene is ideal for cleansing and boosting moisture in the vulvar area.
• Keep the vulvar area moisturised daily with Lubripiù External Moisturiser. It will provide long-lasting moisturising and soothing effects.
• Use Lubripiù Vaginal Suppositories to reduce vaginal dryness and thus maintain proper hydration.
• To avoid pain during sexual intercourse, we always recommend using a water-based lubricant that mimics vaginal fluid. It is important that it has an osmolarity of less than 380 mOsm/kg to minimise epithelial damage. And avoid those containing fragrances, colourings or irritating ingredients that may alter your vaginal pH. Mucus – it’ll be your favourite!

The role of professional support

It is essential that patients are able to speak openly with their medical team about these symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach — involving gynaecologists, oncologists, pelvic floor physiotherapists and psychologists — is key to improving quality of life during and after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I have sex during cancer treatment?
Yes, provided you feel comfortable and there are no medical contraindications. Using suitable lubricants can help prevent pain (dyspareunia).

How does cancer treatment affect vaginal pH?
The pH tends to rise (above 5.0), which can lead to dryness and an increased risk of infections. Using products with a physiological pH helps to maintain balance.

If I have cancer, what products can I use to relieve vaginal dryness?
We recommend using non-hormonal moisturisers and lubricants. At Cumlaude Lab, all intimate health products are safe and suitable for women undergoing cancer treatment. To reduce vaginal dryness, we recommend the Lubripiù range and, for sexual intercourse, MUCUS, a high-tolerance lubricant that respects the vaginal pH.

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia are common but often unspoken symptoms in women undergoing cancer treatment. At Cumlaude Lab, we work to provide effective, safe solutions that respect women’s intimate health. Our LUBRIPIÙ and MUCUS product ranges are designed to support you at every stage of your treatment, helping you to regain your wellbeing and quality of life.