How Does Cancer Affect Sexual Life?

Sexual feelings and attitudes vary greatly between people, even when they are not ill. Some experience little or no change in sexual desire or energy during cancer treatment. Others are less interested in sexual intercourse because of the physical and emotional effects of cancer and treatment.

If sexual desire and energy change during treatment, remember that this is natural and happens to many people. It may result from stress, fatigue and other treatment side effects. How you feel about your body may also play a role.

If you had a healthy sexual life before treatment or sexuality is important to you, you may continue enjoying physical intimacy during treatment. You may find that intimacy gains a new meaning and that you relate to your partner differently. Sex may become less important, while hugging, touching, holding and cuddling become more important.

Maintaining a healthy sexual life can be difficult when so many physical and emotional factors are involved. Obtain as much information as possible from your doctor and other reliable sources to understand what you can and cannot do before, during and after treatment. Speak with your partner about concerns and how you feel about yourself.

It is known that two-thirds of sexual problems can be resolved after a brief assessment through a few recommendations and reassurance for the patient and partner. The small remainder can be overcome with medical and psychological support offered to both.

Fertility – Reproductive Capacity in Cancer

Pregnancy is sometimes possible during cancer treatment, but some treatments can cause birth defects. Doctors often recommend contraception throughout treatment and for a period afterward.

Women may find that periods become irregular or stop during treatment. This does not mean pregnancy is impossible, so contraception is needed.

Treatments in men may reduce or damage sperm cells. Nevertheless, men generally become fertile again after treatment.

It is normal to worry about how treatment may affect fertility. Facing a disease such as cancer that can seriously affect life does not require sexuality and fertility to be pushed entirely into the background. We encourage you to discuss questions or concerns with your doctor before treatment begins.

With this article, we have provided  an introduction to sexuality in cancer . In future articles, we plan to address sexuality and fertility separately for male and female patients and for different cancer types.