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- Body changes from cancer
surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
- Hormone changes
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Medications that can
reduce libido (sex drive)
- Fear of recurrence
(return of the cancer)
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
Sexual problems experienced by people with cancer
generally fall into one of four categories:
- Desire disorders, which
is the decrease or loss of sexual fantasies and desire
- Arousal disorders, which
include the inability to achieve or maintain sexual arousal, such as
lubrication or swelling in women and an erection in men
- Orgasmic disorders,
which is the delay or absence of orgasm following normal arousal,
such as premature ejaculation in men
- Pain disorders, which is
genital pain during sexual intercourse
Diagnosis
It is important to have an honest discussion about sexual problems with
your doctor. Often, there are solutions to these common sexual problems.
Your doctor may ask about the following:
- Your sexual activity
before cancer
- How cancer has changed
your sexual activity
- Any existing or
potential problems in your relationship
Your doctor can help explain typical reactions to a given
cancer treatment and, in some cases, refer you to a health-care professional
who specializes in treating sexual dysfunction.
Managing sexual side effects
For women who experience vaginal pain or dryness, the following
suggestions may help:
- Hormone replacement
therapy (only for cancers that will not be affected by hormone
treatments)
- Vaginal moisturizers or
lubricants
- Vaginal dilators, which
help gradually expand the vagina
- Anesthetic gels (to help
with pain)
For men with erection problems, the following may help to
increase sexual desire and potency:
- Medications to help men
achieve and maintain an erection, such as sildenafil
(Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis),
or vardenafil (Levitra)
- Penile implants
- Medications to increases
blood flow to the penis, such as intraurethral
alprostadil (Caverject,
Edex, or Muse) and intracavernous
papaverine (sold under multiple brand
names)
Talk with your doctor about the potential risks and side
effects before using any medication.
More Information
PLWC: Body Image Sexuality
PLWC: Managing Side Effects
Cancersymptoms.org: Sexual Dysfunction
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