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| How Will Cancer Affect My Sex Life? |
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Sexual feelings and attitudes vary greatly among people, even under ordinary circumstances. This is also true during illness. Some people experience little or no change in their sexual desire and energy level. Others find that their sexual interest declines because of the physical and emotional stresses of having cancer and getting treatment. These stresses may include worries about changes in appearance; anxiety about health, family, or finances; or side effects, including fatigue and hormonal changes. However, some people find that they feel even closer to their partners during this time and have an increased desire for sexual activity.
If your sexual desire and energy level changes during treatment, keep in mind that this is normal and can happen for a number of reasons. Some common concerns are stress, fatigue, and low desire, as well as body image issues. If you have had surgery for a cancer in the pelvic or abdominal areas, it may make sexual intercourse difficult or painful for a time. Some women experience vaginal dryness and some men experience impotence as a side effect of some treatments. If you are comfortable doing so, discuss these concerns with your cancer care team and find out if these side effects can be reduced or alleviated.
If you were comfortable with and enjoyed sexual relations before starting therapy, chances are you will still find pleasure in physical intimacy during your treatment. You may find that intimacy takes on a new meaning and you relate differently. Hugging, touching, holding, and cuddling may become more important, while sexual intercourse may become less important. The most important part of maintaining or resuming sexual activity with a partner is good communication. A partner's concerns or fears, a normal part of the sexual relationship, can also have an impact on your sexual experiences together. Some may worry that physical intimacy will harm the person who has cancer. Others may fear that they might "catch" the cancer or be affected by the radiation or chemotherapy. Talking openly about these things can clear up many misunderstandings. It will also help you find out what different things you can do to make the sexual experience enjoyable.
A healthy sex life can be difficult to maintain when there are so many physical and emotional factors involved. Get as much information from your doctor and other resources as possible so that you have a full understanding of what you can and cannot do before, during, and after treatment. For more information, Sexuality for Men and Their Partners and Sexuality for Women and Their Partners.
Fertility
Following chemotherapy or radiation therapy, women may find that their menstrual periods become irregular or stop. This does not necessarily mean that they are unable to become pregnant, so birth control is an important consideration during treatment. In men, the treatments may reduce or damage sperm cells. In many cases, fertility is restored after treatment is complete.
Whether or not you plan to have children, concerns about how treatment will impact your fertility are normal. Discuss your questions about fertility and cancer treatment with your doctor; he or she will help you make treatment decisions that are best for you.
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