Can you regain your mojo? A sexologist says yes.
My new friend-- funny, smart, personable, warm--a breast cancer survivor--recently visited her oncologist, where she mentioned her loss of sexual energy, the missing mojo.
Like some menopausal or post- menopausal women, women who have had breast cancer may find that their sexual energy, that pelvic surge, goes KAPUT. There are reasons for this, among them changes in hormones, damage to nerve endings, the impact of chemo, feelings of vulnerability, loss.The doctor, after listening to her, said there was nothing he could do. My friend, as you can imagine, felt saddened and resigned.
From my perspective, as a seasoned clinical sexologist, the missing mojo is temporary. The good news is that it’s possible to get it back. The process takes time, practice, options, and a sense of humor. And if you miss your mojo, it’s worth it!
In order to feel pleasure again, women need to:
grieve their lost breast(s) or changed body
heal from the cancer treatment
regain their sense of humor
make a peace with their new body
get to know their new body
notice sensations, regardless of how small
feel their erotic feelings
find the kind of touch that works
be in the moment
stop, if they need to
cry, if they need to
view videos at www.sexsmartfilms.com
research clinicians or educators at www.aasect.org
use lotion everywhere, and lube
say, “Mmmmm, that feels good”
open themselves to new sensations
dance or take salsa, merengue, or rhumba lessons
build on the sensations
sign up for or host a women's sexuality talk or workshop
focus on what they DO feel rather than what they no longer feel
compile a list of what has worked for other women
Sometimes it’s easier for women to practice on their own first. Sometimes it helps to make sure their partner has read this article.
Also, please let us know what’s worked for you to maximize your mojo. That way, we all can learn, and can teach our partners to successfully spread the good news. As in the old song, “Our lust is here to stay….”
