Sex – some women love it and some women can go without it. Years of research have demonstrated that people who engage in regular sexual intercourse generally have a longer and healthier life. To be even more specific, it is possible that regular sex be one of the “therapies” that help prevent Breast Cancer.
Essential # 3 of The 7 Essentials™ is to Balance Your Energy. Hormone balancing falls under that category. Hormones are powerful messengers that can affect your Immune System, your metabolism, your mood, your mental health and several other body functions.
During sexual intercourse and orgasm, specific “happy” hormones such as Oxytocin and DHEA are released. These hormones may help to keep breasts cancer-free and here is why:
- According to one study, women who had sex more than once per month had a lower risk of developing Breast Cancer than those who were less sexually active.
- According to the Journal of Sex Research, sexual stimulation releases endorphins and corticosteroids that have an analgesic effect that help reduce pain.
- Oxytocin counteracts the effects of the stress hormone cortisol and helps calm your nerves.
- Improved sleep is also a side effect of oxytocin being released during orgasm.
- Having sexual intercourse at least once per week lessens the frequency of hot flashes in post-menopausal women.
- Having sexual intercourse once or twice per week has been shown to boost the Immune System, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA). These antibodies protect body surfaces that that are exposed to outside foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
For many women, the ability to enjoy sex appears to be quite limited after a cancer diagnosis. Often women have to deal with the side effects of traditional treatments and the changes in their body. Surgery may have resulted in the loss of part of a breast, a whole breast or both breasts. For many women, their breasts are an important part of their sexual identity.
Chemotherapy can cause the ovaries to shut down and bring on early menopause. Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, mood swings and hot flashes often accompany this chemical menopause. Often women will actually mourn or grieve the loss of their sexuality as a result of the treatments.
But take heart! With a shift in your mindset and with the help of a few natural therapies, many women are enjoying a renewed sexual life.
Natural vaginal lubricants such as Neu Eve have made a world of difference in restoring vaginal lubrication. Talk with your spouse about your feelings and plan to set some time aside to explore your body in new ways with sensual touching and massage.
Embrace your scars and your magnificence. YOU are NOT the scar or the cancer. The scars are simply an expression of your journey and the courage you have had to face a challenge. Learn to nurture yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally. Be grateful for the scars and the changes they have brought into your life.
Our sexuality is an important part of a balanced and healthy life. The physical benefits are a powerful reason to connect emotionally with your spouse, which will insure a happy and healthy sex life.
