Is this a common side effect for those taking Revlimid? I am no longer of the age to become pregnant so, that is not the issue. Does this get better?
Any responses would be appreciated.
Forums
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Revlimid and desire for intimacy
As the partner of someone with multiple myeloma, I have a question. My partner is on 10 mg Revlimid for maintenance since his stem cell transplant in 2014. He seems to have very little interest in sexual intimacy.
Is this a common side effect for those taking Revlimid? I am no longer of the age to become pregnant so, that is not the issue. Does this get better?
Any responses would be appreciated.
Is this a common side effect for those taking Revlimid? I am no longer of the age to become pregnant so, that is not the issue. Does this get better?
Any responses would be appreciated.
-
Jerseygyrl - Name: Kim
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My Loved One
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Revlimid and desire for intimacy
I've been on Revlimid maintenance for a couple of years now and have not experienced that.
This stuff affects everyone differently, but do you think there could be a psychological component to this? Depression, anxiety, the feeling of being "damaged goods", and some of the other difficult aspects of the cancer experience strike me as the kinds of things that could easily cause someone to shut down in terms of intimacy as well as other types of emotional connections with others.
This stuff affects everyone differently, but do you think there could be a psychological component to this? Depression, anxiety, the feeling of being "damaged goods", and some of the other difficult aspects of the cancer experience strike me as the kinds of things that could easily cause someone to shut down in terms of intimacy as well as other types of emotional connections with others.
-
Mike F - Name: Mike F
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 18, 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Revlimid and desire for intimacy
Hi Kim,
Sorry to hear about the situation with you and your partner.
I think the challenges you are facing are not as uncommon as you might think. I say this based on some of the comments that were posted in this forum thread:
"Multiple myeloma and libido" (started Mar 31, 2011)
Also, there are many different reasons people can lose interest in intimacy, and many of those reasons occur as a matter of course when someone has multiple myeloma and undergoes treatment for it. There are physical challenges that occur, including outright pain, as well as psychological issues brought on by a change in circumstances and changes in one's physiology (think of the impact of dex on a person's figure).
A couple of other things to consider.
One is that a "decrease in sexual desire or ability" is a known side effect of Revlimid. See the side effects section on this page about Revlimid.
In addition, there is research suggesting that the stem cell transplant process increases the likelihood of intimacy issues. See this article for more information:
"Researchers Find High Rates Of Sexual Dysfunction After Stem Cell Transplantation," The Myeloma Beacon, Sep 19, 2011
Best of luck to you and your partner.
Sorry to hear about the situation with you and your partner.
I think the challenges you are facing are not as uncommon as you might think. I say this based on some of the comments that were posted in this forum thread:
"Multiple myeloma and libido" (started Mar 31, 2011)
Also, there are many different reasons people can lose interest in intimacy, and many of those reasons occur as a matter of course when someone has multiple myeloma and undergoes treatment for it. There are physical challenges that occur, including outright pain, as well as psychological issues brought on by a change in circumstances and changes in one's physiology (think of the impact of dex on a person's figure).
A couple of other things to consider.
One is that a "decrease in sexual desire or ability" is a known side effect of Revlimid. See the side effects section on this page about Revlimid.
In addition, there is research suggesting that the stem cell transplant process increases the likelihood of intimacy issues. See this article for more information:
"Researchers Find High Rates Of Sexual Dysfunction After Stem Cell Transplantation," The Myeloma Beacon, Sep 19, 2011
Best of luck to you and your partner.
-
JimNY
Re: Revlimid and desire for intimacy
Hi Kim.
To add to the above, an autologous stem cell transplant can result in hypogonadism (low testosterone) as well as cause other physical and mental changes that can effect "performance".
If your partner has neuropathy or boney pain, this may also aggravate things.
There are a few simple blood tests (AM free testosterone, TSH) as well as a "postage stamp test" and the bulbocavernosus reflex, which your internist or PCP might recommend to separate endocrine, vascular, and nerve contributing causes.
But the most helpful thing your doctors might do is to ask him what he feels the issues are. He may have a different view on what the Revlimid warnings say or mean. He may feel fatigued or tired.
Wishing you both the best.
To add to the above, an autologous stem cell transplant can result in hypogonadism (low testosterone) as well as cause other physical and mental changes that can effect "performance".
If your partner has neuropathy or boney pain, this may also aggravate things.
There are a few simple blood tests (AM free testosterone, TSH) as well as a "postage stamp test" and the bulbocavernosus reflex, which your internist or PCP might recommend to separate endocrine, vascular, and nerve contributing causes.
But the most helpful thing your doctors might do is to ask him what he feels the issues are. He may have a different view on what the Revlimid warnings say or mean. He may feel fatigued or tired.
Wishing you both the best.
-
rick - Name: rick
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: nov 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 50
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Return to Treatments & Side Effects