Sexual Difficulties

Talking about your sexual function with your healthcare team even before there is a problem is key, as some potential problems—such as fertility or potential nerve damage—should be considered before treatment.

Key Points

Sexual problems are relatively common among people with cancer and can negatively affect your and your intimate partner’s quality of life.
No matter your age, your sexuality is important and worthy of your and your healthcare team’s attention.
If problems arise, let your healthcare team know.
In addition to conventional interventions for sexual problems, complementary therapies and lifestyle practices may also help.

“Altered sexuality” is a top concern of people with cancer, yet one that is seldom addressed up front by the oncology team. Many people are embarrassed to bring up the topic with their doctors. However, sexual problems are relatively common among people with cancer and can negatively affect your and your intimate partner’s quality of life. Physical touch and closeness, with or without lovemaking, can be one of the greatest comforts during the difficulties of cancer. No matter your age, your sexuality is important and worthy of your and your healthcare team’s attention.

Helpsy Health

Even when people are getting the best of cancer treatment, they often feel like they need more help with organizing their care and managing symptoms and side effects. Helpsy empowers members to take control of their health through a real-time virtual nurse support service. This service is available via mobile devices, a Helpsy website and automated phone calls.

Vaginal moisturizers and vaginal rings supplying low-dose estrogen are used to address sexual discomfort and difficulties for women. Although these are conventional therapies, they may not be included in many conventional treatment programs unless or until a patient expresses a need.

A recent study (not yet published) found that "just about all (99%) of the postmenopausal women who took part in the study scored low on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), indicating a high degree of sexual dysfunction, including vulvovaginal dryness and severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse)."² In a discussion of the study, a recommendation was made to physicians to ask patients about sexual difficulties. However, BCCT encourages you to report symptoms and ask for help if your doctor doesn't ask.

In addition to conventional interventions for sexual problems, complementary therapies and lifestyle practices may also help:

Mind-body approaches including these:

Counseling
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Qigong
Tai chi

Moving more
Eating well
Sleeping well
Sharing love and support
Exploring what matters now
Some herbal and natural products: search our Therapy Summaries database, selecting "Sexual difficulties" in the Symptoms box

Beyond complementary therapies, consider seeing a professional such as a therapist, oncology social worker or oncology navigator to help you explore your stressful situation and identify an approach that is right for you.