S6 Ep15: Sam on sex and intimacy after breast cancer

Sam Evans is an intimate health and pleasure expert who shares tips on intimacy during menopause and coping with the side effects of cancer treatment. This week on the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Sam talks candidly about the effects of breast cancer on our sex lives, and how these may be relieved to allow more enjoyment of sex and intimacy again. She also speaks about why she set up the online company Jo Divine, which sells sex products with a particular focus on safety and sexual health.Sam is joined by Jane, one of Breast Cancer Now’s nurses, who gives insight into the sex and intimacy concerns we hear about from people with breast cancer on our helpline and ask our nurses service.You can visit the Jo Divine websiteYou can find Sam on Instagram @samtalkssexListen to Liz O'Riordan's episode hereListen to Dani Binnington's episode hereIf you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.Key Topics:2:01 Sam talks about her work in sex and intimacy2:55 Jane talks about her work as one of Breast Cancer Now's nurses3:45 The effects of breast cancer treatment on sex life5:51 Discussing the menopause and the perimenopause9:36 What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?13:16 Discussing low libido after breast cancer treatment15:17 Dealing with vaginal dryness during sex16:59 The importance of checking ingredients of lubricants23:54 The effects on the vagina of lowered oestrogen levels25:39 The benefits of vaginal oestrogen for sex life28:06 The psychological effects of breast cancer treatment on sex and intimacy30:13 The importance of communication33:45 Approaching sex after breast cancer as a single person38:51 The benefits of sex toys48:02 Where to turn if you don't feel you can talk to your treatment team about sex and intimacy55:32 Useful resources1:03:09 What it means to Sam to "live well"1:03:24 What is means to Jane to "live well"