Ever had a question about relationships or sex that you just can’t ask your oncology care provider? We’re back for another round of Awkward Auntie, the space for all the awkward questions inside young adult cancer.
Awkward Auntie: Questions About Sex Drive
Question: Hi Dr Katz,
I’ve read that the ‘pink pill,’ Addyi, is available in Canada. Can the pill be prescribed and covered by insurance? Also, how effective is the pill in increasing sex drive? I’m at a loss as to what to try next.
Additional details: I am a….47-year-old female diagnosed with breast cancer at 38 and metastasis to my spine last year. I’ve had an oophorectomy, and I’m on exemestane and Kisqali. I’ve tried OTC Gynatroff and recently asked my oncologist for a prescription for vaginal estrogen. He prescribed Intrarosa, and my partner and I have used lubricant during sex, but it is still somewhat uncomfortable. I feel that having a sex drive would also help, but I have lost my libido. Hence the question about Addyi.
Answer: Addyi is unfortunately not a very effective medication. In the original clinical trials, premenopausal women experienced ONE sexually satisfying sexual encounter over a TWO-month period. And that is after taking a pill every night! They were also not ‘allowed’ to drink any alcohol while on the medication (because of sleepiness). It was also only approved for use in premenopausal women, and women with a history of cancer were not included in the clinical trial (so we don’t know if these women would respond differently). Health Canada has approved the use of this medication for naturally postmenopausal women under the age of 6o years. There is no mention of women with a history of cancer, other than that caution should be taken, as the medication may interfere with other cancer drugs. That said, we know that there is a large placebo effect with medications prescribed for low libido; if you believe it will improve libido, then you experience increased interest! I don’t know if your insurance would cover the drug – every insurance company is different.
-Awkward Auntie
Dr. Anne Katz, also known as the Awkward Auntie, is a certified sexuality counselor, nurse, and author. She specializes in the intersection of sexuality, intimacy, body, relationships, and young adult cancer. She’s here for all the “awkward” questions that you may be too afraid to ask your healthcare provider.
YOU CAN ASK HER ANYTHING…. Don’t hold back!
Questions are answered periodically and posted on the Young Adult Voices of Cancer blog. Got questions? Reach out to programs@cactuscancer.org
