Sexual Life in Cancer Patients – Challenges and Suggested Solutions

After surgery, chemotherapy and hormonal treatments, significant hormonal changes occur alongside permanent physical changes and psychologically distressing effects. Some women enter temporary or permanent menopause after chemotherapy, with ovarian function stopping. To improve treatment effectiveness and success, we suppress ovarian function in some premenopausal patients with specific drugs, inducing menopause. All these situations cause:

• Vaginal dryness in women
• Reduced sexual desire and feelings of being unattractive in both men and women,
• Pain during intercourse in women
• Fear of being unwanted in both men and women
• Erection and ejaculation problems in men.

Under these conditions, a healthy sexual life cannot be expected for the cancer patient and their partner.

Looking closely at these problems, it is known that 2/3 can be resolved after a brief assessment, a few suggestions and reassurance for the patient and partner. The small remaining proportion can be overcome with medical and psychological support recommended to both.

Contraception During Cancer Treatment

Using contraception during intercourse while receiving cancer treatment helps prevent pregnancy. Becoming pregnant during treatment carries risks of a child with disabilities, miscarriage and consequently abortion. Methods such as spermicides (sperm-killing agents) and condoms minimize sexual health risks during treatment.

Discuss contraception with your doctor throughout treatment. After cancer treatment ends, a healthy pregnancy and having a child are possible.