Sexual Health for Cancer Survivors

It is very common for cancer survivors to have some changes in sexual functioning after treatment. Sometimes these changes are short-term. Others may last for a long time. Sexual health can be complicated because it involves a person’s body, mind, behavior, and relationships. It is also affected by sex, age, personal attitudes, and religious or cultural values.

Some kinds of cancer treatment can change the way a person looks, as with amputations or scars. Treatment can also leave emotional scars, which can’t be seen but are no less serious. Other changes that treatment can cause, such as premature menopause, can affect the way a survivor feels about her body.

Many types of cancer and cancer treatments can cause sexual problems, and different problems call for different solutions. Breast, prostate, colorectal, and gynecological cancer survivors in particular often face changes in sexual function. They may have issues with body image, erectile dysfunction, pain, or loss of desire.

Doctors do not usually talk with survivors about sexual problems. This means that survivors are left with many questions. Luckily, many sexual side effects are treatable. It is important to have an honest talk with your doctor about these side effects. He or she can prescribe therapies or refer you to a specialist. For example, many patients find that it helps to have an evaluation at a sexual health clinic.