Sex & Libido

Understanding changes and maintaining intimacy after surgery.

Any cancer and its treatment can have a range of effects on sexuality. Gynaecological cancers are almost always associated with some changes in sexual function. By their nature, they involve the organs involved in sex. Surgery and other treatments can affect the physical ability to have sex or to enjoy it. Side effects of treatments can also affect hormones and the psychology of sexual function.

More generally, many cancer treatments have side effects that may interfere with sexual pleasure. Any type of cancer experience can also influence your body image, emotions and relationships, which can change how you feel about sex. Cancer diagnosis and treatment often magnify existing stresses. Suppose there have been issues in your sexual relationship (or in your relationship more generally) prior to diagnosis. In that case, these may be intensified, and it becomes all the more important to address them.

Most people who have had cancer treatment say they have faced issues with sexuality and intimacy. Some find that any change in their sexuality is temporary. Others must adapt to long-term changes, which may be the most difficult aspect of life after cancer. It is possible, however, for the experience to strengthen a relationship, improve communication and lead to new ways to express sexuality and intimacy.

Cancer treatments may cause sexual problems in women

Some problems that affect a woman’s sexual health during treatment are temporary and improve once treatment has ended. Other side effects may be long-term or may start after treatment. Your oncology team can talk with you about these. They will differ from person to person, depending on treatment type and aims and will be unique to you. They can include:

lower estrogen levels due to chemotherapy. Sometimes these can lead to early menopause and infertility. You may have menopausal symptoms during or after your treatment. Loss of oestrogen can affect vaginal lubrication and sexual function.
If you have Hormone therapy (also called endocrine therapy) your hormone levels will be intentionally lowered as part of your treatment.
Radiation therapy to the pelvis can affect the ovaries and lead to menopause. It can also change the vaginal walls and affect your sexual function.
Surgery can affect your sexual function depending on the type of surgery, what is removed and how you recover.

Ways to manage sexual health issues

If your sexual function is important to you, it is important to us. It can be difficult to talk about, but we want to help. It is unlikely that if your sex life wasn’t great or was non-existent prior to your diagnosis and treatment we will make it amazing but if you want, we will try! We can also refer you to a sexual health expert to get answers to any questions or concerns.

It is vital that you and your partner/s communicate about sex. There are two documents attached to this page that can help you to do that. Libido or sexual desire is very closely linked to your mental health.

Both of the resources below are valuable to help you with this issue.