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Effects on your sex life

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Treatment for some cancers can affect your sex life. Many of these effects can be prevented or treated.

  • Lack of interest or loss of desire for sex. Low libido is common during cancer treatment. Sometimes it can be brought on by anxiety and worry about your diagnosis rather than the treatment. Libido usually returns after treatment is over.
  • Temporary pain. After some types of surgery you may have to wait several weeks before having sex again. In the meantime, kissing, caressing and touching can also be pleasurable.

Tips:

  • If fatigue is a problem, try different times of the day to be intimate.
  • If you are experiencing low libido, talk to your partner about how you are feeling. They need to know when you feel ready for sex and ways to help you get in the mood.
  • Although sexual intercourse may not always be possible, closeness and sharing are vital to a healthy relationship. Explore other ways of sharing intimacy and showing affection for each other such as touching, holding, hugging and massaging.
  • Try different sexual positions if your usual ones are uncomfortable. Use cushions or pillows to support your weight.
  • Suggest a quick lovemaking session rather than a long session.
  • If you have a stoma, the Cancer Council NSW booklet Sexuality for People with a Stoma has more information. For a copy call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
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updated: 20 October 2020 - 3:32pm
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Related information

What is cancer?
What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells, which are the body’s basic building blocks.

Treatment and side effects
Treatment and side effects

The treatment that your doctors recommend will depend on the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and other personal factors.

Living with cancer
Living with cancer

A diagnosis of cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges.

Life after cancer
Life after cancer

While looking forward to finishing their cancer treatment and getting on with life, for some people, the end of treatment can also be a confusing or worrying time.

A-Z List of Cancer Types

Information on more than 70 types of cancer

  • Bladder cancer
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  • Lymphoma
  • Melanoma of the skin
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  • Prostate cancer
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  • Stomach cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Unknown primary
  • Uterine sarcoma
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulval cancer

About Cancer Australia

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