TV presenter Sarah Cawood has opened up about the devastating impact of her cancer treatment on her intimate life, revealing that her libido has disappeared and that 'that part of her life' with husband Andy Merry is now sadly over.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
The 53-year-old was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in August 2022 after a routine mammogram detected a lump. Now cancer-free, she underwent a lumpectomy with sentinel node removal, followed by radiotherapy and long-term hormone treatment.
Following her diagnosis, Cawood was forced to stop taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which she had been prescribed for menopause. As a result, her libido 'disappeared overnight'.
Emotional Toll
'It can feel like everybody is having the best sex of their lives but that part of my life is gone and it does make me feel really sad,' she said. Cawood, who married TV producer Andy in 2012, is mother to son Hunter, 13, and daughter Autumn, 12.
Speaking to The Sun, she added: 'It's a massive loss to us both but we make sure we keep an open dialogue because it's important to not brush these things under the carpet.'
Vaginal Atrophy
Although not formally diagnosed, Cawood believes she is also suffering from vaginal atrophy, a condition that can make sex painful. 'Basically, it can feel like there's something in the way of any sort of penetration, and it hurts like hell,' she explained.
Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, involves thinning and drying of the vagina's inner lining, often after menopause due to reduced oestrogen levels. This can cause discomfort during intercourse and affect intimacy.
Ongoing Anxiety
Last year, Cawood revealed her cancer had gone, but worries persist. In a video shared on social media, she detailed her constant fears: 'I feel tired... Maybe it's back. What's that odd lump? Maybe it's back. I have a scan soon... What if it's back?'
She captioned the clip: 'This is the reality of anyone who has had any kind of cancer. I never struggled with health anxiety before but post-breast cancer it's all consuming and it wears me out a bit tbh.'
Cawood encouraged others to stay vigilant: 'Anything that doesn't feel right: get it checked out. Early detection is key.'
This is not the first time Cawood has expressed fear of recurrence. In May, she broke down in tears on Instagram, sharing a video crying in bed beside her son, worried that a recent mammogram might indicate a return of the disease.
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a condition that mostly occurs after menopause, when the lack of oestrogen causes changes to the skin of the vagina and genital area. The skin becomes drier and less likely to lubricate during sex, often causing pain. Source: NHS
