A number of sexual side effects can occur as a result of cancer treatment, including:
- Inability to achieve or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Difficulty climaxing
- Orgasm without discharge of semen (dry orgasm)
- Weaker, less satisfying orgasms
- Loss of interest in sex
- Pain during sex
- Less energy for sexual activity
- Feeling less attractive
Can cancer cause sexual side effects?
Cancer can cause sexual side effects if the cancer involves sexual organs. Cancers that do not affect the sexual organs can also affect your sexuality by changing your body image, making you feel less attractive, or causing fatigue or depression and decreasing interest in sex.
How does chemotherapy affect my sex life?
Chemotherapy may lower your testosterone levels and libido during the treatment period. You may be advised to use a condom, because semen may contain traces of chemotherapy for a period of time after treatment.
Can I have sex during cancer treatment?
An intimate connection with a partner can make you feel loved and supported as you go through your cancer treatment. But sexual side effects of cancer treatment can make resuming sex more difficult.
What causes loss of sexual desire in cancer patients?
When people are in treatment, things like worry, depression, nausea, pain, or fatigue may cause loss of desire. Cancer treatments that disturb the normal hormone balance can also lessen sexual desire. This information is for adult males with cancer.
Which cancer treatments cause sexual dysfunction?
The following treatments may cause sexual problems.Surgery. Surgery involving the prostate, testicles, bladder, colon, and/or rectum can damage the nerves that control erections. ... Radiation therapy. ... Chemotherapy. ... Hormone therapy. ... Supportive care/other drugs. ... ED medicines. ... Pelvic floor exercises. ... Penile injections.More items...
What are 3 side effects of cancer treatments?
Side Effects of Cancer TreatmentAnemia.Appetite Loss.Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)Constipation.Delirium.Diarrhea.Edema (Swelling)Fatigue.More items...
Can you make love during chemotherapy?
According to a 2014 article review , sex is generally considered safe during chemotherapy treatment as long as safe sex practices are in place. These include preventing pregnancy, protecting against infection, and avoiding exposing a partner to chemotherapy in bodily fluids like vaginal fluids or semen.
What is the most common side effect of cancer treatment?
Some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment include pain and fatigue, anemia, mouth problems, nausea/weight change/dietary issues, and hair, skin and nail problems. Pain. The term “pain” describes a broad category of types of symptoms and it is common to all cancers and cancer treatments.
What are the long term effects of cancer treatment?
What cancer treatments cause late effects?TreatmentLate effectsChemotherapyDental problems Early menopause Hearing loss Heart problems Increased risk of other cancers Infertility Loss of taste Lung disease Nerve damage Osteoporosis Reduced lung capacity5 more rows
Why do chemo patients have to flush the toilet twice?
Small amounts of chemotherapy are present in your body fluids and body waste. If any part of your body is exposed to any body fluids or wastes, wash the exposed area with soap and water. People in your household may use the same toilet as you, as long as you flush all waste down the toilet twice with the lid down.
Can chemo affect my partner?
Remember – the changes to your sex life don't usually last long. There's usually no medical reason to stop having sex during chemo. The drugs won't have any long term physical effects on your performance or enjoyment of sex. Cancer can't be passed on to your partner during sex.
How long after chemo can you kiss someone?
Because saliva can contain chemotherapy for 48-72 hours after treatment, you should avoid open-mouth kissing during this time as this can expose your partner to the chemotherapy. Keep communication open. Talk about what feels good and what doesn't; communicate with your partner when you are tired or uncomfortable.