After diagnosing cancer, it is not uncommon to have questions that swirl through your mind. How much has cancer progressed? What is the prognosis? How will the treatment be? How will my family and me deal with?
Often, sexuality questions go to the back burner. It is easy to understand why, when many other issues may have priority. But keep in mind that sex is an important part of life. There is no reason to stop your sexual relationships only because of cancer.
Cancer and treatment can have a huge impact on sexual function, even if the reproductive organs do not target. So it is best to ask about your condition before your treatment begins.
Below, we have mentioned some questions that you might think of asking the Cancer Care Team. While not everyone will apply to you, they could raise other questions you haven’t thought about. Be sure to bring a pen and some paper to mark the answers. You may also have your partner or a credible friend or a relative to go with you to your appointment. It can help you have a second set of ears only if you lose something.
Finally, do not hesitate to ask questions, especially if the healthcare provider does not have sexual health. Some people feel embarrassed to discuss sex, but it is perfectly reasonable to wonder how treatment will affect your sex life.
We suggest print these questions and place a mark next to those that apply to you. We have also included space to write your own questions and answers at the end.
General
- What are the sexual side effects of this treatment?
- Will I be able to have sex the way I used to?
- What should I do if my orgasms change?
- What should I do if I lose my interest in sex or find it difficult to cause?
- How can this treatment affect my sexual hormones (eg testosterone and estrogen)?
- Should i stop having sex for a period of time? (If yes, when can I continue sexual activity?)
- Are certain sexual activities or positions compared to others?
- Will sex feel different?
- Will it hurt?
- Can you recommend some books or sites, so can I find out more?
For men
- Will my erections change?
- Will I have erectile dysfunction (ed)? If so will it be permanent?
- Which ED treatments would be better for me?
- Will I need penis restoration? What does this mean?
- Will my testosterone levels reduce?
- How does the treatment of prostate cancer affect homosexuals and bisexuals?
For women
- What is surgical menopause?
- Will I experience vaginal dryness?
- If I have a problem with lubrication, should I try a lubricant or moisturizing?
- Would hormone replacement therapy be an option for me?
- Will surgery or radiation change the shape of my vagina?
- Can vaginal dilators help to stretch my vagina?
Body image
- How will the treatment of cancer change my appearance?
- Where can I find objects like wigs and breast forms?
- Can plastic surgery help me? Oh, with
- Should I consider prosthetic (like prosthetic testicles)?
- What can I do for surgical scars?
Partners
- What should my partner know about sex and cancer?
- Can my partner “catch” anything through sexual intercourse?
- Is it safe for me to have sex if I have chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
- Aid for partners?
- Should my partner come with me to treatment?
- I’m single. When should I say to a new partner to treat my cancer?
- Will this treatment affect the way I speak, eat or socialize?
- Will this treatment make it harder to kiss my partner?
Contraception
- If pregnancy is no longer alarming, should I still have safe sex?
- What kind of contraception is best for me?
- Can I use hormonal contraceptives?
Pregnancy and fertility
- Is it safe for me (or my partner) to become pregnant during my cancer treatment?
- Will I still have kids?
- Can I freeze semen or egg cells for future in vitro fertilization?
- Where can I find credible information about substitution?
- Where can I find reliable adoption information?
- How can my partner deal with infertility?
Emotional health
- I feel very worried about the future. Should I talk to a consultant?
- Can you refer me to a consultant in my area?
- Can you contact me with a support team or other patients who had this type of cancer?
Your questions
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My question
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My doctor’s response
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Learn more
To find out more about cancer and sexuality, these links can help:
Sex after cancer
Cancer and sexual problems
The effects of cancer on women’s sexuality
Cancer and sex for single women
How does cancer sexual health affect?
Fertility options for men with cancer
How does the treatment of prostate cancer affect homosexuals and bisexuals?
You can also find information by looking for a specific term on our site.
