Sexual concerns
Sexual concerns are common after cancer diagnosis and treatment. These can include physical changes, feeling less desirable or losing interest in sex.
If you have any of these problems, there are services that can help.
Sexual concerns when you have cancer
There are several things related to cancer diagnosis and treatment that can cause sexual concerns.
These include:
- physical changes
- emotional changes
- problems with intimacy
- lower libido
- changes to body image
- fertility problems.
Dealing with sexual concerns
Everyone’s situation is different and sexual concerns affect some people more than others. It depends on whether you are sexually active, and whether you are in a relationship.
Even if you are having problems with sex, you may still be able to enjoy an intimate relationship. Being intimate with someone involves being physically and emotionally close to them. It is possible to have an intimate relationship without having sex.
Your sexual health is important but can be difficult to discuss with your doctor or nurse. It may be easier to talk to a social worker or counsellor, who can provide you with information and help.
Sexual concerns and anal cancer
Anal cancer and its treatment can cause sexual problems for some people:
- For people who have anal sex, this may not be possible because of the cancer and its treatment.
- For men, some anal cancer treatments can cause difficulties gaining or maintaining an erection. Also, some treatments can cause ejaculation problems, including a dry orgasm with no semen production.
- For women some anal cancer treatments can cause vaginal dryness, which results in pain and discomfort during sex.
Some of these problems may be temporary and improve when your treatment has finished. Talk to your doctor about sexual problems caused by anal cancer. They may suggest ways to help or refer you to see a social worker or clinical psychologist.
Other resources we recommend
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20
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Bowel Cancer Australia Mon- Fri1800 555 494