If your problem is related more to how you feel about changes in sexual desirability, a cancer counselor may be helpful. If the hospital staff is unable to provide counseling, community agency programs can be helpful. Your family doctor or member of the clergy might also be able to provide guidance. If sexual intimacy was an important part of your life before cancer, this does not have to change. If your ability to have intercourse does change temporarily, there are other ways to achieve sexual satisfaction.
Hospitals often provide free sexual counseling.
Community agencies or private counselors charge a fee, which may be adjusted to a family's income. Sexual counseling is a specialty within the counseling professions. It is always best to ask for a referral from someone you trust rather than select a name at random from the phone book. Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker. Sexual intimacy is a fulfilling part of life, with or without cancer.