Sexuality for the Man With Cancer
TOPICS
- Cancer, sex, and sexuality
- How the male body works sexually
- Keeping your sex life going despite cancer treatment
- Erections and pelvic surgery to treat cancer
- Erections and pelvic radiation therapy
- Erections and chemotherapy
- Erections, desire, and hormone therapy
- Erections and the psychological effects of cancer treatment
- Ejaculation and cancer treatment
- Fertility and cancer treatment
- How common cancer treatments can affect sexuality and fertility
- Dealing with sexual problems
- Dealing with short-term problems
- Finding the cause of problems that appear to be permanent
- When is sexual counseling helpful?
- Is there a pill that will cure sexual problems?
- Is there a way to restore erections if the nerves or blood supply of the penis has been damaged?
- Methods to help with erections
- Can testosterone restore sexual functioning?
- What about herbs or natural cures for erection problems?
- Is there a way to make orgasms as intense as they used to be?
- Special aspects of some cancer treatments
- Feeling good about yourself and feeling good about sex
- Chemotherapy changes the way you look
- Changing negative thoughts
- Overcoming depression
- Dealing with grief and loss
- Rebuilding self-esteem
- Good communication: The key to building a successful sexual relationship
- Overcoming anxiety about sex
- Rekindling sexual interest
- Sexual activity with your partner
- The single man and cancer
- Men who have sex with men
- Frequently asked questions
- Professional help
- About the American Cancer Society
- Additional resources
- References
When is sexual counseling helpful?
Any sexual problem caused or worsened by anxiety can respond to counseling with a sex therapist. For men, problems caused by anxiety can include:
- Loss of sexual desire
- Erection problems without a medical cause
- Trouble reaching orgasm
- Premature (early) ejaculation
When a medical problem limits a man’s sexual function, sex therapy can still be helpful. But the goals may change. For example, instead of expecting a man to regain full erections, the therapist may help him and his partner learn to enjoy sexual caressing without erections. Sex therapists may also be able to help you and your partner decide whether to have medical or surgical treatments for erection problems. (See the “Professional help” section.)
Last Medical Review: 10/28/2011
Last Revised: 10/28/2011