Loyola offers holistic approach to help couples manage their sexual health

Cancer and cancer therapies are frequently associated with sexual dysfunction, yet this condition often goes untreated, according to specialists at Loyola Medicine's Sexual Wellness Clinic.

Beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 2, Loyola will offer a clinic for couples who are struggling with sexual health issues from cancer. The program will run every Wednesday for six weeks from 6:30 to 9 pm in the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, 2160 S. First Ave. in Maywood. The clinic will combine the expertise of various specialists to address common emotional and physical challenges that couples face in their sexual relationships after cancer.

The National Cancer Institute reports that sexual dysfunction ranges from 40 to 100 percent after various cancer treatments. Many of those affected are in women who have breast or gynecologic cancer and men who have prostate cancer but other cancer diagnoses as well. Research suggests that about 50 percent of women who have had breast or gynecologic cancer experience long-term sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction ranges from 60 to 90 percent in men treated for prostate cancer.

Loyola's Sexual Wellness Clinic opened in fall 2013 to help break down the stigma associated with sexual dysfunction and the barriers that prevent couples from seeking help.

"We have received a tremendous response from couples involved with our program," said Mary Lynn, DO, co-director of the Loyola Sexual Wellness Clinic and assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. "This program has helped couples communicate and resolve underlying physical and emotional issues to improve their sexual relationship. We look forward to extending this program to couples affected by cancer."

The most common problems that affect sexual health include decreased libido, painful intercourse, inability to have an orgasm, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Loyola's program will address these issues with a team of obstetricians and gynecologists, urologists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, dietitians and yoga instructors. Each week will include group educational sessions and individual counseling for couples. A private physical examination will be offered with an obstetrician/gynecologist and a urologist during the second session.

The group educational sessions will focus on envisioning greater intimacy, becoming open and vulnerable, finding life and relationship balance, exploring healthier possibilities, connecting mind and body, coping with changes in body image and bodily functions, and gaining and keeping momentum. Clinicians also will address nutrition and yoga for sexual and overall wellness. Group sessions are informational only; participants will not be asked to talk about their sexual relationship.

"Our sexual wellness specialists recognize that there are many factors that affect intimacy," said Pat Mumby, PhD, co-director of the Loyola Sexual Wellness Clinic and professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences. "Loyola's program takes a holistic approach to help couples manage their sexual health and rediscover their relationship."