Sexuality for the Woman With Cancer
In this guide, we offer you and your partner some information about cancer, sex, and sexuality. We cannot answer every question, but we try to give you enough information to help you and your partner have open, honest talks about your sex life. We also share some ideas about talking with your doctor and your cancer care team. Click on the topics below to get started.
- Cancer, sex, and sexuality
- How the female body works sexually
- Keeping your sex life going despite cancer treatment
- Effects of pelvic surgery for cancer on sexual function
- Radical hysterectomy
- Radical cystectomy
- Abdominoperineal resection
- Surgery for cancer of the vulva (vulvectomy)
- Pelvic exenteration
- Sex and pelvic radiation therapy
- Sex and chemotherapy
- Sex and hormone therapy
- Surgery for breast cancer can affect sexuality, too
- Summary table of how some common cancer treatments can affect sexuality and fertility
- Dealing with sexual problems
- Vaginal dryness
- Premature menopause
- Coping with the loss of a body part
- Reaching orgasm after cancer treatment
- Preventing pain during sex
- 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 woman and cancer
- Frequently asked questions about sex and cancer
- Professional help
- American Cancer Society programs
- To learn more
- References