Michael L. Krychman, MD, Medical Director of Sexual Medicine, Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital, Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, discusses managing and treating sexual health concerns in cancer patients and survivors.

Krychman believes it is important to development a sexual health treatment paradigm, irrespective of the cancer diagnosis. There are often systemic changes due to the treatment of cancer that have a far-reaching effect on sexual function, regardless of the location of the tumor.

While it is important to have a general view for evaluating and assessing the implications of cancer on sexuality, the anatomical site of the cancer also plays an important role. Krychman notes that certain cancers have a direct effect on sexual function, such as cancers of the breast or the genito-pelvic sexual response organs.

Krychman adds that taking the cancer into consideration is important but having a global view of the effect of cancer on the human experience of sexuality is critical as well.

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Michael L. Krychman, MD, Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, discusses managing and treating sexual health concerns in cancer patients and survivors.

Dr. Krychman on Treating Cancer-Related Sexual Issues

Michael L. Krychman, MD, the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, discusses the disconnect that exists between the number of women with breast cancer who desire treatment for sexual health concerns and those who actually receive treatment.

Krychman describes newer studies showing that nearly 50% of women desire a treatment for sexual health concerns; however, less than 10% are actually receiving treatment. This is due primarily to the fact that both women and physicians are not openly discussing sexual health issues.

In general, patients may feel embarrassed or concerned that discussing sexual health will embarrass their healthcare provider, or they may feel that a treatment is not available. Similarly, healthcare providers are also embarrassed, poorly trained, and are also unaware of treatments that are available.

Dr. Michael Krychman, from he Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, Discusses the Awareness of Sexual Health Concerns in Breast Cancer Patients.

Michael L. Krychman, MD

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Dr. Krychman on Treating Cancer-Related Sexual Issues

Dr. Krychman on the Awareness of Sexual Health Concerns