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When you first learned you had cancer, you probably thought
mostly of survival. As soon as your treatment began, other questions
may have started coming up.. How "normal" can my life be, even if my
cancer is under control? What about sex?
Sex and sexuality are important parts of everyday life. The
difference between sex and sexuality is that sex is thought of as an
activity -- something you do with a partner. Sexuality is more about
the ways people feel, and is linked to your need for caring and
closeness, playfulness and pleasure. Sexuality is part of what it means
to be a man.
Feelings about sexuality affect our zest for living, our
self-image, and our relationships with others. Yet patients and doctors
often don't talk about the effects of cancer treatment on their sex
lives or how a person may feel as a sexual being. Why? Many people feel
uneasy talking about sex with a professional like a doctor or even with
a close sex partner. This topic often makes people feel awkward and
exposed. Some may feel as if they have opened up their intimate lives
to be looked at by others.
Here, we offer you and your partner some information about
cancer, sex, and sexuality. We cannot answer every question, but we
will try to give you enough information to help you and your partner
have an honest talk about your sex life. We will also share some ideas
about talking with your doctor and your cancer care team. We include a
list of other places to get help in the "Additional
resources" section
at the end of this document. These are other good sources of more
information.
Keep in mind that pleasurable touching between you and your
partner is always possible, no matter what kind of cancer treatment you
have had. This may surprise you, especially if you are feeling down or
have not had sex for a while. But it is true. The ability to feel
pleasure from touching almost always remains.
The first step is to bring up the topic of sexuality with your
doctor or other members of your health care team. You have the right to
know how your treatment will affect nutrition, pain, and your ability
to return to work. You also have the right to know the facts about your
sex life.
Last Medical Review: 02/02/2009
Last Revised: 02/02/2009
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