Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Issues Regarding Sexual Health and Intimacy

Season 7 of Marrow Masters focuses on chronic Graft vs. Host Disease sufferers, or GVHD "long haulers."  And our first episode is about an important topic that doesn't get enough attention - reproductive and sexual health.

Dr. Areej El-Jawahri is an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.   And while that is her primary role, her work experience has taught her about the need to focus on these issues.   A majority of transplant survivors struggle with sexual health issues and concerns regarding intimacy and fertility.  Dr. El-Jawahri gives us the hard numbers, as well as a wide array of symptoms and side-effects.

She talks about the changing dynamic with couples when they become patient and caregiver, and how important it is to have open, honest communication regarding sexual health.  Often, a patient's concerns about their partner are misaligned with what their partner is actually prioritizing! Communication is also crucial with your medical team.  While these topics may sometimes be hard to bring up, they are important to discuss.  And today's methods of confidential, electronic communication may provide a vehicle for those who are uncomfortable having these discussions in an office setting.

Dr. El-Jawahri also discusses fertility concerns for younger couples.  Often, and rightfully so, there is a rush to treat a patient's cancer.  But it may be worth consulting fertility specialists at the beginning of the process.

Peg and today's guest also talk about different forms of intimacy.  While sex may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are other ways to be intimate and show each other attention and love.

Finally, Dr. El-Jawahri tells us about the jaw-dropping question a patient asked her that prompted her to begin paying more attention to sex and intimacy with transplant survivors.

Resources:

Dr. El-Jawahri's bio: https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/19647/areej-el-jawahri

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

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