Find out how endometrial cancer affects your sexual health.
The womb is the part of a woman's reproductive system that holds and protects a baby during pregnancy. The endometrium is the lining of the womb, and endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the womb, or uterus.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. In the United States, there will be an estimated 65,950 new cases of endometrial cancers and uterine sarcomas in 2022.
The most common sign of endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina. This might present as:
Remember, most of the time, irregular vaginal bleeding is not due to cancer, but it's always safest to get it checked out.
Less common symptoms are blood in your urine, high blood sugar levels, pain during sex, anemia, pain in your pelvis and lower back, thrombocytosis and a lump in your pelvic area.
Approximately 9 out of 10 womb cancers are found due to irregular bleeding or bleeding after menopause, often leading to an early diagnosis. Survival rates for endometrial cancer are relatively good, especially if your doctor picks up the diagnosis early.
Uterine cancer is more common and has lower survival rates in Black women. The American Society of Clinical Oncology reports the five-year survival rate for white and Black women with endometrial cancer in the U.S. is 84 percent and 63 percent, respectively.
However, as with every type of cancer, survival depends on the stage of your endometrial cancer and individual factors. General survival rate statistics are based on large populations of people and can't tell you about your specific situation.
Anyone with a womb can get endometrial cancer. People with wombs include women, transgender people, nonbinary people and intersex people. You cannot get endometrial cancer if you have had a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the womb.
You are at higher risk of getting endometrial cancer if you have high levels of estrogen, which could be due to the following:
If you notice any abnormal vaginal bleeding or other symptoms of endometrial cancer, you first must see your primary healthcare provider. Inform them about your symptoms, when they started, what you are experiencing, and your medical and family history. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems, so there is no need to be embarrassed.
Depending on your symptoms and discussion with your doctor, they might refer you for one or more of these tests:
Depending on your initial conversation and test results, your doctor might refer you to a cancer specialist to manage your diagnosis and any ongoing treatment.
Your treatment depends on:
The primary treatment is surgery to remove your uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Other common treatments include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these. The treatment is individual to you and the type of endometrial cancer you have. Your doctor explains all your treatment options at each stage.
Your cancer care team advises you on follow-up care after treatment. The type of aftercare you need depends on your treatment plan and how your body responds to the treatment.
It helps to have a lot of support from family and friends around you. You can also ask your cancer care team about local support groups and places where you can access help and advice.
To help lower your risk of endometrial cancer, you can:
All types of reproductive cancers, including endometrial cancer, can impact your sexuality physically and emotionally. Living with uterine cancer and undergoing treatment can cause:
It's vital to give yourself time to get used to any changes. Try to be open and honest with your partner so they can understand what you are experiencing and support you.
Sex doesn't have to be about penetration or orgasm; you can explore many ways to be close and have a positive, intimate relationship. Be kind to yourself. You can also reach out to a counselor for support if you find sexuality changes challenging to manage.
It's always better to see a doctor sooner rather than later if you are worried about endometrial cancer. The sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Make sure to see your healthcare provider if:
