Introduction
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, can significantly impact vaginal health. Common treatment side effects include vaginal dryness, atrophy, changes in pH, and increased susceptibility to infections, but there is hope! Today, we will be diving into how you can support your vaginal health through diet and lifestyle and hopefully reduce some of those pesky side effects.
Common Vaginal Health Issues After Cancer Treatments
1. Vaginal Dryness
Some cancer treatments may lower estrogen levels, leading to vaginal dryness. Normally, a lubricant serves many roles in maintaining the health of the vagina, but with less of it, one may be at increased risk for infections like UTIs. Less lubricant can also cause painful sex and itching.
2. Vaginal Atrophy
This refers to the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls which also occurs as a result of decreased estrogen. It can also lead to dryness, pain, and itching.
3. Changes in Vaginal pH and Microbiome
You know about the microbiome in our gut? Well, if you have a vagina, then you also have an entire ecosystem of microbes there as well. Some cancer treatments can alter the delicate balance of this bacteria and can increase the pH (making it less acidic). As a result, one may be more likely to have yeast infections and a bacterial infection known as bacterial vaginosis.
4. Vaginal Stenosis
Pelvic radiation therapy can weaken the vaginal tissues – making them less elastic and forming scar tissue. This results in the vaginal canal shortening which can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulties with gynecological exams.
5. Pain During Intercourse
Painful sex is not only a common symptom as a result of dryness and vaginal scarring. There is a lot of emotional distress that comes with navigating cancer treatment, making it harder for you to get in the mood.
Food Based Methods to Improve Vaginal Health
Navigating some of these side effects can be extremely unpleasant, but there is hope! Consider the following to help improve your vaginal and overall health!
Probiotic Foods for Vaginal Health
Probiotic rich foods helps to maintain an acidic environment in the vagina, preventing harmful bacteria and yeasts. Certain probiotic rich foods, like kefir contain diverse lactobacillus strains that help to restore the vaginal gut bacteria. This good bacteria can take up resources from the harmful bacteria and tip the scales in your favor – hooray for less pesky infections!
Probiotic Snacks
- Greek yogurt with honey and berries
- Yogurt parfait with granola and sliced almonds
- Kefir smoothie with spinach and banana.
- Strawberry kefir popsicles
- Sauerkraut on whole grain crackers.
- Sauerkraut and avocado toast.
- Kimchi fried rice.
- Kimchi and vegetable stir-fry.
- Miso soup with tofu and seaweed.
- Miso-glazed vegetables.
- Tempeh stir-fry with broccoli and bell peppers.
- Tempeh lettuce wraps with hoisin sauce.
Kefir Berry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Frozen Berries
- 1 cup Plain Kefir
- ½ Banana (medium)
- 1 tbsp Sunflower Seed Butter
Directions
- Simply add all your ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Prebiotic Foods to Support Good Bacteria
The probiotics help put some beneficial bacteria in your gut and vagina; however the prebiotics help to actually feed and nourish the beneficial bacteria so that they continue to thrive!
Prebiotic Rich Foods
- Garlic
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Bananas (with green)
- Chicory Root
- Jerusalem artichokes
Snack Ideas
- Roasted garlic spread on whole grain bread.
- Garlic hummus with carrot sticks.
- Caramelized onions on whole wheat toast.
- Onion and tomato salad.
- Grilled asparagus with lemon zest.
- Asparagus and cheese omelet.
- Green banana smoothie with spinach.
- Sliced green bananas with almond butter.
- Chicory root coffee substitute.
- Chicory and mixed greens salad.
- Roasted Jerusalem artichoke chips.
- Jerusalem artichoke and potato soup.
Additional Tips for Vaginal Health Post-Cancer Treatment
Changes in Intimacy
Your ability and desire to have sex may change during cancer treatments. This may be due to changes to your biology, reduced energy levels, and/or decreased self esteem. Depending on what kind of cancer and treatment you have, your oncologist may recommend that you hold off on sex, use condoms to prevent pregnancy during treatment or to prevent your partner from being exposed to chemotherapy drugs, and/or work with a sex therapist to identify new ways to experience intimacy with your partner.
Other Tips for Vaginal Health
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain mucosal health and lubrication.
- Limit Sugar: Reducing sugar intake can prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
- Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Use these to manage dryness and discomfort.
- Regular Check-ups: Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and monitoring.
- Avoid Douching: It can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina
Conclusion
You have options when it comes to pesky side effects down there. Incorporating foods to support your vaginal microbiome and using other lifestyle modifications can help support your vaginal health as you cope with side effects. You got this!
This blog is not intended as medical nutrition therapy, medical advice, or diagnosis and should in no way replace consultation or recommendation from your medical professional.