Women
Sometimes, chronic GVHD affects the genitals. Genital GVHD can cause difficulties with sex and intimacy for both men and women.
In women, chronic GVHD can cause:
- vaginal itching, burning, dryness
- white lines, scarring, adhesions in the vagina
- loss of elasticity in the vagina or narrowing of the vaginal canal
- painful intercourse
- pain when urinating
- bleeding
Treatment options may include:
- hormone replacement therapy
- water-based lubricants
- topical steroids
- tacrolimus or cyclosporine ointment
- vaginal suppositories
- dilators to expand the vaginal canal
A pelvic floor physical therapist can help relieve symptoms. Find a pelvic floor physical therapist at PelvicRehab.com.
Men
In men, GVHD can affect the penis. Symptoms include:
- a change in skin color on the head of the penis
- redness, white lines, burning or pain on the head of the penis
- difficulty or pain when retracting the foreskin
- scarring or adhesions on the foreskin
- in rare cases, scarring on the meatus (where the urine comes out)
Topical steroids and tacrolimus are the usual treatment options.
Take Action!
If you have symptoms of genital GVHD, ask for a referral to a gynecologist or urologist who is familiar with GVHD.
To minimize irritation and pain:
- wash your genital area with warm water and soap
- don’t use perfumed products in the genital area
- wear loose cotton or cotton-lined underwear
GVHD can affect your sex drive and sexual functioning even if it does not directly affect your genitals. Ask your doctor for help if you are having sexual difficulties.
Watch a video about Genital GVHD:
Watch this video about how pelvic floor physical therapy for GVHD patients. Click here to read the transcript of this video.
(To view this page in Spanish click here.)
Next page: Nervous System and Muscular GVHD
Updated December 2024
