Posted 2 weeks ago
Let’s Talk About Sex
Cancer can change many aspects of our lives during and after treatment. Our ability to engage in and enjoy sex is one area. Chemotherapy can cause changes in our hormonal balances which can trigger fatigue and decreased libido. Radiation therapy may lead to vaginal dryness, scarring, or pain during intercourse depending on which part of the body was treated. Surgery as part of cancer treatment can cause changes in sexual function but more importantly, our bodies which can affect self-image.
If you are experiencing changes or concerns with sexual health and intimacy, you are not alone. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released research and data from studies conducted in 2022. Nearly 87% of radiation patients who participated in the study reported treatment had impacted sexual function or desire. An Oxford University study conducted in 2024 reported that women experience much higher symptoms post treatment that affect sexual health and desire.
For male cancer survivors, you may experience:
Reduced desire for sex.
Urine leaks at the time of climax.
Dry orgasms or reduced semen.
Orgasms that do not feel as intense as they did before cancer.
Difficulty achieving climax.
Inability to get or maintain an erection.
For female survivors, you may experience:
Reduced desire for sex.
Genital pain from contact or during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal dryness.
Tightening of the vagina that leads to discomfort.
Negative thoughts about having sex or self-image during intimacy.
Trouble or inability to feel pleasure or climax during sex.
Talking about sex and sexual dysfunction can be very uncomfortable for any individual. However, your healthcare team is open to having these discussions and is only able to help you with the concerns you report. Before you try any medications, therapies, or interventions, talk with your doctor to ensure it is the best approach for you.
There are several different options for improving or eliminating some or all of the side affects you may be experiencing that are negatively impacting your sexual health.
Erectile concerns can be addressed with medicine, devices such as pumps, surgery and counseling.
Kegel exercises that strengthen the genital area and pelvic floor have been shown to help stop and control the flow of urine to eliminate leakage. They are also easy to do whether you are sitting, standing, at work, or at home.
Dilators can be used in the vaginal and rectal areas to help open the areas, reduce tightening, and make sexual intercourse more comfortable.
Taking supplements and using products that provide additional moisture to the vagina can help increase pleasure during sex but also be a part of your vaginal self-care.
Talking to a therapist who specializes in sex can help bring your concerns to light, work through them and find ways to adapt, adjust and overcome those barriers to having a satisfying sex life.
The best piece of advice we can give you is to talk to your partner. Tell them what you are comfortable with, what you do not want to happen, areas to avoid, parts of the body that may be more sensitive in positive and negative ways, and even new things you want to try. Finding new ways to be intimate and keep the drive going is something everyone in a relationship experiences, with or without a cancer diagnosis. If talking to your partner is not a comfortable option, consider a text, a letter, or coming up with an intimacy menu that gives your partner the options that you allow and items are that are not available.
If you are having any of these concerns, talk with your doctor at Ironwood. Our team is trained and open to having any of these discussions with you.