Sex & Cancer
For many, sexual function is an important part of quality of life. Cancer and its treatments can impact sexual health, intimacy, and relationships, and you may need information and support to navigate these changes. Discuss openly with your cancer care team any concerns you may have— You are not alone.
How Cancer Treatment Affects Sexual Function
Many cancer survivors experience changes in sexual function after treatment. This may include:
- Concerns about body image
- Loss of sexual desire
- Difficulty with arousal and orgasm
Sex & Breast Cancer
Breast cancer surgery may affect body image and arousal patterns. Pelvic cancer treatments, including surgery and radiation, can trigger menopausal symptoms like dryness, pain with intercourse, and lower libido. Chemotherapy can also cause temporary or permanent menopause.
Radiation Treatment & Sex
Radiation to the pelvis—especially brachytherapy—can lead to vaginal fibrosis, which may cause pain and difficulty with penetration.
Men’s Sexual Health
For men, sexual side effects are more common when treatments directly affect the sex organs (such as with prostate, bladder, or testicular cancer). Male sexual side effects can include:
- Reduced interest in sex
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Urine leakage during orgasm
- Dry orgasms (no semen released)
- Pain during sex
Everyone’s experience is unique. Talking to your provider about potential side effects and how to manage them is an important part of your care.
When to Consider Sex After Cancer
Coping with cancer is emotionally and physically demanding, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about intimacy during or after treatment. Some people wait until treatment is over to resume sexual activity, while others may find comfort in physical closeness sooner.
Discuss with your provider and your partner when it’s safe to resume sexual activity and what adjustments may be needed. For women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy, it’s important to begin vaginal care early to help prevent long-term vaginal changes. For men, early interventions can help minimize lasting sexual side effects.
We're Here to Help
If you’re experiencing challenges with intimacy after cancer, ask your care team for guidance. You may benefit from:
- Sexual health counseling
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Vaginal dilator therapy or hormone management
- Support groups focused on survivorship and quality of life
You deserve support in every area of your health—physical, emotional, and sexual. Let your care team at Bliss Cancer Center help you explore safe, compassionate solutions tailored to your needs.
Resources
Book:
“Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life,” by Emily Nagoski
Websites:
www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/how-cancer-affects-sexuality.html
www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/pelvic-surgery.html
www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/faqs.html
www.aftercancer.co/resources/
www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/dating-sex-and-reproduction/sexual-health-and-cancer-treatment-women
www.cancer.net/sites/cancer.net/files/asco_answers_sexual_side_effects.pdf
These recommendations have been developed to be inclusive of individuals of all sexual and gender identities to the greatest extent possible. In this guideline, the terms male and female refer to the sex assigned at birth.
