Meet our Cancer Specialists: Nicole Afuape, MD, FACOG | George Kallingal, MD, MPH
Cancer and cancer treatment can change a lot of things, including emotional imbalances and physical dysfunction. If you are experiencing any of the following conditions during or after cancer treatment, please call (602) 406-8222 and schedule an appointment with one of our team members to get the care you need. Sex is one of life’s natural pleasures and it should not be not be painful. We can help.
The Sexual Health and Healing after cancer Program is available to all genders and includes an initial through assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan. We see patients who exhibit any of the following conditions after or during cancer treatment including radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy:
Common Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort during sex or dyspareunia
- Bleeding, spasms, burning or pain in genitals
- Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation
- Decreased sexual desire or libido
- Mismatch sex drive or inability to achieve orgasm after stimulation
- Vaginal dryness, tightness, or burning,
- Pudendal neuralgia symptoms in your lower body, genitals, or perineum (the area between the genitals and anus)
- Pelvic floor surgery or physical therapy and pelvic congestion syndrome
- Pelvic floor muscle spasm
- Incontinence, frequent urination or difficulty with bowels
Our Services
- Surgical interventions, including penile implant, breast reconstruction, and pelvic floor, most can be robotic or laparoscopic
- Penile and trigger point injections
- Bladder distension, instillation
- Excision of vaginal cuff
- Botox injections
- Nerve blocks
- Physical therapy
- Ultrasound guided sclerotization of vulvar veins
- Sexual health education, relaxation and support
- SOLA in office treatment
Treatment Options
- Endometriosis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Pelvic pain
- Dyspareunia
- Vaginal dryness, burning or spams
- Ejaculatory disorder
- Anorgasmia
- Low Libido
- Dysmorphic Body Disorder
- Relationship Issues related to cancer treatment or post treatment
What to Expect
Our interdisciplinary approach to cancer care includes a thorough physical exam with a basic sexual health assessment. You are assigned a dedicated nurse navigator who provides comprehensive, compassionate care coordination, guidance, education, and ongoing follow-up care throughout your entire journey.
- Comprehensive sexual health assessment
- Physical exam to assess sexual function and dysfunction
- Education and awareness about sexual health function, dysfunction, desire and how it intersects with cancer treatment including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cancer surgery and radiation therapy.
- Surgical, minimally invasive and non-surgical clinical procedures
- Supportive care and services including physical therapy and social work
- Referral to AASECT-certified therapists for behavioral health, anxiety, depression, body image or cognitive therapy for psychosocial challenges related to sexual dysfunction
