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Patient from HellAuthor: Manta Cares
Are you a cancer patient? Caregiver? Survivor? Advocate? Friend? Then you've come to the right place! The Patient from Hell is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by cancer survivor, founder of Manta Cares, and self-described "patient from hell", Samira Daswani. The podcast features guests who are making the cancer experience a little easier. Each episode will educate, empower, inspire and most importantly, show you that you are not alone in your experience. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to (or watch!) podcasts. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Cancer's Impact on Intimacy: A Doctor Explains
Wednesday, 10 December, 2025
Up to 90% of breast cancer survivors experience sexual health changes, yet almost no one is talking about it. Today on Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani sits down with Dr. Laila Agrawal, a leading clinician in oncology sexual health, to break the silence around libido loss, vaginal dryness, pain, body-image shifts, dating after cancer, orgasm changes, pelvic floor dysfunction, and how treatment impacts intimacy.This episode answers the questions patients wish they could ask, but rarely get time for in an oncology appointment.If you've ever wondered:“Is sex safe during treatment?”“Will my desire ever come back?”“Should I use vaginal estrogen?”“What’s normal to feel?”— you’re in the right place.Sexual health concerns in breast cancer are common, treatable, and deeply misunderstood. Dr. Agrawal explains:- Why oncologists often avoid sexual health conversations- The real reason libido drops during and after treatment- The truth about vaginal estrogen and hormone-positive breast cancer- How to talk to a partner when desire shifts- How single women can navigate dating after cancer🧠 Guest: Dr. Laila Agrawal is a nationally recognized expert in sexual health for oncology patients. She specializes in survivorship care, menopausal symptoms, pelvic health, pain management, and evidence-based approaches to sexual wellness throughout cancer treatment. She is passionate about removing stigma and giving patients the tools, language, and confidence to advocate for their sexual well-being.Chapter Codes00:00 – Why sexual health is overlooked in oncology01:45 – How many breast cancer patients struggle with sexual health03:15 – Why oncologists avoid the sex conversation05:02 – Biggest myths about sex during/after treatment06:07 – Low libido: what’s actually happening08:20 – Responsive desire vs spontaneous desire09:50 – Vaginal dryness: causes, range, and treatment12:34 – Moisturizers, hyaluronic acid & home remedies13:45 – Vaginal estrogen: safety, controversy & guidelines15:41 – Menopause, hormone shifts & severity of symptoms17:30 – Pain during intercourse & pelvic floor dysfunction19:27 – What to do if your cancer center lacks specialists20:58 – Body image & sexuality after mastectomy22:57 – Body image vs desire — how they interact24:42 – When to see a sex therapist vs medical provider26:29 – Partner communication and relationship impacts28:10 – How to set boundaries without losing intimacy29:55 – Dating during or after treatment31:19 – How treatment affects ability to orgasm33:28 – Is sexual recovery tied to treatment timing?34:58 – Should you feel guilty for wanting sex after cancer?35:40 – Myth busting: sugar, condoms, recurrence risk & more36:37 – Is sex safe with a chemo port?37:10 – Best sexual health resources for cancer survivorsAbout Patient From HellPatient From Hell is hosted by cancer survivor and founder Samira Daswani, who asks the questions most patients are too overwhelmed, or too afraid, to ask. The show brings together doctors, researchers, advocates, and survivors to reveal evidence-based answers for patients navigating the chaos of cancer.Subscribe for episodes that blend science, compassion, and clarity without the medical jargon.🔔 Connect & Follow Samira DaswaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiradaswani/Manta Cares: https://www.mantacares.com
