What should you pay attention to during sexual intercourse after ovarian cancer surgery?

During sexual intercourse after ovarian cancer surgery, you need to avoid strenuous exercise, control the frequency, pay attention to body reactions, maintain hygiene, and use lubricants when necessary. During the recovery period after surgery, sexual intercourse should be based on physical comfort. If you feel uncomfortable, you need to stop and seek medical treatment immediately.

Strenuous exercise should be avoided during sexual intercourse after ovarian cancer surgery. Surgery may involve removal or repair of pelvic organs, and strenuous exercise may increase wound tension or cause pain. It is recommended to choose a gentle position to avoid abdominal pressure. In the early stage after surgery, you can try low-intensity postures such as lying on your side, and then adjust after gradually getting used to it. If lymph node dissection is performed intraoperatively, special attention should be paid to avoid excessive extension or twisting movements. In particular, within 3 months after surgery, the range of motion must be controlled to prevent wound dehiscence or internal bleeding.

Controlling the frequency of intercourse is crucial to postoperative recovery. It is recommended to completely prohibit sexual intercourse within 1 month after surgery, and then gradually resume after reexamination to confirm that the wound has healed. No more than 1-2 times a week during 1-3 months, and adjusted according to recovery after 3 months. During chemotherapy, the frequency needs to be reduced due to low immunity. The vaginal mucosa may become fragile after radiotherapy, and the interval needs to be extended. Endocrine therapy may cause vaginal dryness and the frequency needs to be further reduced. Observe for abnormal bleeding or increased secretions before and after each sexual intercourse.

Paying attention to the body's reaction is an important principle for postoperative intercourse. If you experience lower abdominal distension, worsening pain, abnormal bleeding or fever, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Thrombocytopenia may occur after chemotherapy, so be alert to the risk of bleeding. Radiation proctitis or cystitis may occur after radiotherapy, and attention should be paid to abnormal defecation and urination. Endocrine therapy may cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating, so intercourse time needs to be adjusted. Long-term use of targeted drugs may affect wound healing, and the observation period needs to be extended. Changes in hormone levels after surgery may lead to loss of sexual desire, so full communication with your partner is required.

Maintaining good hygiene can reduce the risk of postoperative infection. Both parties need to clean their perineum before and after intercourse. It is recommended to use mild and unscented lotion. Avoid using douches or internal tampons for 6 months after surgery. When leukocytes are reduced during chemotherapy, more attention should be paid to preventing infection. Medical-grade nursing pads can be used during vaginal mucosal repair after radiotherapy. Discharge may decrease during endocrine therapy, but cotton underwear will still need to be changed daily. If abnormal discharge or odor occurs, a timely gynecological examination is required.

Use water-soluble lubricants when necessary to improve comfort. Postoperative hormonal changes or radiotherapy may cause vaginal dryness. It is recommended to choose medical lubricants that do not contain glycerin and preservatives. Chemotherapy drugs may cause mucositis, so pH-neutral products need to be used. Vaginal dilators can be used in conjunction with tissue fibrosis after radiotherapy. You can consult your doctor about using topical estrogen ointment during endocrine therapy. Avoid using oil-based lubricants to prevent disruption of the vaginal microenvironment. Make sure there are no allergic reactions before using any lubricating product.

During the recovery period after ovarian cancer surgery, you need to maintain a balanced diet and properly supplement high-quality protein and vitamins to promote tissue repair. You can do low-intensity exercises such as walking to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, but avoid activities that put pressure on the perineum, such as riding a bicycle. Regularly review tumor markers and imaging examinations to monitor signs of recurrence. Stay positive and develop non-sexual intimacy with your partner. Joining a patient support group can help relieve psychological stress. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions to complete subsequent radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy, and do not interrupt the treatment course on your own.