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Practice Point
Vulvovaginal symptom treatments #1
In women with a history of breast cancer who have vaginal dryness, offer first-line treatment with non-alcohol based vaginal lubricants during sexual activity. Consider topical lidocaine treatments to the vulvovaginal area for women experiencing pain with sexual activity.
It is recommended that primary care clinicians should offer nonhormonal, water-based lubricants and moisturizers for vaginal dryness (Level of evidence – 1A)
How this guidance was developed
No evidence-based source recommendation was identified for this topic, which was considered an important aspect of care. This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. The practice point was informed by a source recommendation in the ACS/ASCO 2016 guidelines (US) that was designated as ‘Expert Opinion’ by the source guideline authors. This recommendation was not adopted or adapted because it was considered confusing, and vaginal moisturisers have not been shown to be effective. Use of topical lidocaine in women with a history of breast cancer to reduce dyspareunia has been successfully trialled in a phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled study.
Related guidance by topic
Vulvovaginal symptom treatments #1
Practice Point
In women with a history of breast cancer who have vaginal dryness, offer first-line treatment with non-alcohol based vaginal lubricants during sexual activity. Consider topical lidocaine treatments to the vulvovaginal area for women experiencing pain with sexual activity.
Principles in action
Supportive care
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Communication
No evidence-based source recommendation was identified for this topic, which was considered an important aspect of care. This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. The practice point was informed by a source recommendation in the ACS/ASCO 2016 guidelines (US) that was designated as ‘Expert Opinion’ by the source guideline authors. This recommendation was not adopted or adapted because it was considered confusing, and vaginal moisturisers have not been shown to be effective. Use of topical lidocaine in women with a history of breast cancer to reduce dyspareunia has been successfully trialled in a phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled study.
Related guidance by topic
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