Sex and intimacy are a normal part of our well-being; cancer and cancer treatment can affect many areas of sexual well-being. They may cause changes that are:

  • Physical – you may be too tired or have side effects or symptoms that change how your body works or looks. This could include problems getting or keeping an erection, or changes to the vagina.
  • Emotional – you may be dealing with stress, worry or other difficult feelings.
  • Practical – your usual routines or roles may change.

Many changes caused by cancer treatment are temporary and usually get better after treatment finishes. As you recover, you may find your sex life goes back to the way it was. Sometimes you may have to adjust to changes that last longer or are permanent. There can be ways to improve your sexual well-being and to manage any problems, sometimes this gets forgotten because there are other things to cope with when you have cancer.

It can be difficult to start a conversation about sex with someone from your healthcare team. Some people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about something so personal. But it is important to get the right information when you need it. You can ask your healthcare team about anything before, during or after cancer treatment.

A health professional may not ask about your sexual well-being unless they know you want to talk about it. Tell them if you have questions or are worried about anything. They will understand that these questions are important to you.

If you are in a relationship, try to be honest about how you feel. If cancer or treatment has changed how you feel about your body or about sex, tell your partner. This gives them the chance to understand and support you. They may also have questions to ask you. Try to listen to, and answer, each other’s questions and concerns.

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