Olga Ivanov Discusses Sexual Health After Risk-Reducing Cancer Surgery

Olga Ivanov, MD, breast cancer surgeon at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, discusses sexual difficulties women who have had risk-reducing cancer surgery face.

A survey of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations showed that 80%-90% of these survivors expressed concern about their sexual drive, after surgery sent them into early menopause. In fact, 40% of these women responded that they were sexually inactive.

Ivanov emphasizes the importance of patients and their healthcare teams discussing this possible side effect from risk-reducing surgery. There is a great need for patient education and the exploration of complementary medicines to manage low sex drive.