Can I achieve orgasm if I had a radical vulvectomy including the removal of my clitoris ?

Hi Aim45

I am sorry that you are having a tough time after your cancer treatment has ended. I know for me (my cancer was endometrial) that it is pretty normal to not just bounce back after the treatment has ended. I needed time to process the whole experience- diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiotherapy and to come to terms with and accept the side effects that I still experience. 

Whereas it is good that you are now cancer free it is very understandable to worry about the effect it may have on your sex life and to feel cheated. Have you felt able to talk with your CNS about how you are feeling?

Although I can post some general advice here, your CNS would know about your specific surgery and answer the more specific questions you may have. Are you having regular check ups still? I know with me I was able to email questions to my CNS and she would either email me, phone me or see me in person. 

These links may be worth having a look through.

(+) Sex and cancer uncovered – your needs are worth talking about! - Macmillan Online Community

Cancer and your sex life | Macmillan Cancer Support

Vaginal changes and sexual well-being with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

Problems after vulval cancer surgery | Cancer Research UK

I hope this helps a bit

Jane

Jane2511,

Thank you for responding to my post. I still have check ups every 3 months and am lucky to have had no complications. I appreciate the links you left and plan on checking them out right now. I still have check ups every 3 months but overall the whole process was super fast and easy for a lack of better words. I owe it to having a great doctor and staff.... I just wasn't prepared for what was next, you know? Anyways, thanks again and I'm going to check out those links now. 

Tyvm

Hi, I had a full radical vulvectomy and removal of lymph nodes. No extra treatment was needed. I have no feeling in that area, as the nerves were taken away too. I also have Lichen Sclerosus, that is what caused my cancer. So sex was a no go. It is a lot to deal with, coming to terms with how my body has changed. Sadly I was diagnosed with lymphadema and have nerve pain

Hi Lizzy58, 

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I also have Lichen Sclerosus and it was the cause of my cancer also.  I believe you mentioned in one of your responses about lymphademain in your lower stomach, and it made me wonder if the difference I've experienced in my bathroom habits should be something I bring up to my doctor? I assumed the pain meds along with stool softeners had just messed up my system and with time, get better. It's been a few months now and i feel like this is my new normal and it socks. I always feel bloated like I have to poop. When I go, I never feel like I'm done amongst other things. Is this something I should bring up to my doctor? 

I would. Yes, my lymphadema is in my lower stomach and pubic bone plus my groins at times. It feels like a deep dull ache . The more i do the more i get tired

Hi, I had the same operation as yourself in November 2023, I too didn’t need treatment but due to removal of lymph nodes I now suffer with nerve damage and numbness in my left thigh down to my knee. I also have developed lymphoedema in my groin area, pubic bone and leg. I now walk with a stick which I hate as I’m only 58 and went out dancing and mixing with my friends prior to this however, nowI can’t stand for long periods of time so if no seating available I don’t go out with friends anymore  I’ve recently had a temporary stoma bag fitted due to infection after vulvectomy causing anovaginal fistula. I’m hoping this gets repaired in 3-6 and the stoma bag reversed in 9-12 months. My life has changed so much and like yourself I get tired easily, I’m grateful I didn’t need further treatment for the cancer but struggle to come to terms with how my life has changed. I’ve also moved areas and all my friends live further away now so I hardly see anyone like I did before my operation. So isolated

• My story is so like yours. Im 58, love going dancing, now I can't. I have some nerve damage in left thigh but my right thigh is worse,, like a dull heavy ache. I don't know the outcome, or if i can go back work. I just feel im in a nightmare. I hope all goes well for you