The Problems Genital Shrinkage Causes, and the Distress That Results
A patient thought prostate cancer surgery meant he would never have to think about cancer again, but he had not been adequately prepared for the long-term impact of his treatment choice.
View ArticleMourning the Loss of Sexual Function
I wasn’t sure what the patient's response would be to my suggestion for mourning after prostate cancer treatment, but I thought it was worth talking about.
View ArticleOne Step at a Time: The Success of Sensate Focus Exercises
When a couple sought my advice on reconnecting after one partner's breast cancer treatment, I prescribed a regimen of practical, step-by-step sensate focus exercises.
View ArticleWhat Exactly Is Sexual Performance?
I’ve been thinking about the word “performance” a lot lately. Why is sexual activity described this way?
View ArticleAttending an Appointment Alone in the Time of COVID
This is a time of significant and multi-layered anxiety, especially for our patients living with and beyond cancer.
View ArticleYou Have to Mourn the Loss
There is no timeline on grief, especially now, when the pandemic has increased the experience of loneliness and isolation for so many people.
View ArticleSocial Media Presence and Patient Care
Being recognized based on my social media presence can be a little creepy, but there are certainly really good reasons for health care professionals to be active on these platforms.
View ArticleWhen Words Matter: Talking About Sexuality in the Clinic
It seems obvious to me that if we talk about the side effects of treatment to patients, we should talk about all the side effects, including sexual changes.
View ArticleThe Silver Lining From Breast Cancer
When a patient comes to me for help with a problem, I am often the one who learns a life lesson in grace and humanity.
View ArticleThe Affair
Cancer changes the relationship between what we think is certain and the fallibility of our assumptions; it can also be a source of discovery about ourselves and our relationships.
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