Resuming Sex After Cancer Treatment: What You Should Know
Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Sex after cancer treatment may feel a little different than it used to be. In fact, sexual intimacy may be the last thing on your mind. However, re-establishing an intimate connection with your partner can make you feel loved and supported as you come to terms with the impact of cancer. Besides, it is more important than ever to feel good about your body and be close to the one you love during this time.
However, while resuming intimacy post-cancer may be different, it does not mean it will be better or worse. It may just be that your preferred positions become less comfortable temporarily or change over time. But with a bit of patience and by adapting to these changes, you can still maintain a fulfilling and satisfying sex life. Read on to learn more.
How Cancer Treatment May Affect Your Sex Life
Naturally, your focus will be on recovering when you are first diagnosed with cancer. You may not even consider the impact of the disease on your body image, relationship, self-esteem, and sex life until your cancer treatment is over.
However, the common cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, as well as the condition itself, can all have a temporary or permanent impact on your sexual function, as they may affect:
- Your emotions
- Your body’s ability to produce the hormones needed for sexual response
- Your physical ability to give and receive sexual pleasure
- Your body and self-esteem
- Your relationship
Even if you stay aware of the potential impact, it can still be challenging to predict how your condition will affect you. For instance, patients may experience common sexual problems, such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Fertility problems (temporary or permanent)
- Incontinence
- Loss of interest in sex
- Loss of a body part (i.e. breast removal)
- Painful intercourse
Some men may also experience the following issues:
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- Difficulty ejaculating
Meanwhile, some women may also have:
- Loss of sensation
- Menopausal symptoms
- Pelvic pain
- Reduced vaginal size
- Vaginal dryness
Tips For Resuming Sex After Cancer Treatment
Fortunately, it is possible to manage the sexual side effects of cancer treatment and overcome them. Remember, it will take time to recover emotionally and explore what is normal for your sex life after cancer treatment. So, be patient with yourself and your partner as the two of you work on rediscovering your optimal sexual health after your cancer recovery. Meanwhile, medical assistance is also available to help those concerned about their sexual function after treatment.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead And Take Things Slow
Do not be afraid to take things slow. If you are not in the mood for sex after your cancer treatment, holding hands, kissing, cuddling, or giving each other massages are excellent alternatives to maintaining intimacy. Feel free to communicate with your partner and let them know what does and does not feel good. Doing so can help bring both of you closer.
Tip #2: Keep An Open Mind And Be Comfortable
If your preferred sexual positions are making you uncomfortable, be open to exploring other ways to achieve arousal. For instance, women encountering vaginal dryness or pain can consider using a water- or silicone-based lubricant.
Tip #3: Seek Medical Assistance
Do not be afraid to seek medical assistance if you have trouble resuming sex after cancer treatment. A healthcare professional can prescribe erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, such as tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra), to help men get and maintain an erection. Conversely depending on the type of cancer, some women with vaginal dryness may be recommended to apply a cream or fit a ring inside their vagina.
Men can also consider using a vacuum pump, which is a medical device that draws blood into the penis using suction to stiffen the penis. This method is generally recommended for those who can get an erection but cannot maintain it. Another treatment would be to consider a penile implant. To find out more, consider consulting a doctor about a penile implant.
Tip #4: Encourage Your Partner To Get Vaccinated For HPV
Some forms of cancers can be caused by a virus. For example, specific strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer or head and neck cancers like oropharyngeal cancers. So, if you are undergoing head and neck cancer or cervical cancer treatments, you can also encourage your partner to get vaccinated for HPV.
While your medical treatment is likely to affect your sex life in some way, it does not mean that you will only encounter the negative aspects. With a positive approach and the proper support, you can still maintain a fulfilling, satisfying sex life after your cancer treatment.
If you are worried about how your treatment can affect your sexual function, do not hesitate to consult our cancer doctor in Singapore, Dr Johann Tang. Dr Tang can assist in addressing any concerns you may have about treatment, including possible risks and side effects. Contact our clinic to schedule an appointment with us today.
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Dr Johann Tang
Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd
MBBS (Aust), FRANZCR (Radiation Oncology)
Dr Johann Tang is the Senior Consultant and Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd. at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore.
Why Choose Dr Johann Tang
Dr Johann Tang is an experienced radiation oncologist and cancer doctor who aims to deliver the highest level of care to his patients, especially when it comes to radiation therapy and cancer treatment. As a cancer specialist in Singapore, he is dedicated to understanding each patient’s condition and providing holistic, customised care that is both effective and compassionate. With ethics and empathy at the core of our practice, we strive to understand your individual needs and provide care that is compassionate and responsive.
"I guarantee my very best expertise delivered with compassion and dignity as we journey TOGETHER to BEAT this dreaded illness."
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