These women may experience pain during intercourse caused by a decrease in the size or structural integrity of the vagina due to surgery. Women are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their doctors. It is important that women fully understand all potential side effects associated with the proposed treatment for the cancer. Treatment-related factors secondary to systemic chemotherapy Systemic chemotherapy circulates throughout the body rather than being administered directly to one specific location. Chemotherapy can affect hormone levels in both men and women, leading to sexual dysfunction.
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the nerves, leading to sexual dysfunction.
Some women experience chemotherapy-induced menopause, which can cause hot flashes, decrease in the thickness of the vaginal wall, vaginal dryness, and other conditions, that can cause a disruption in sexual desire or enjoyment. Hormonal therapy for men with prostate cancer can disrupt the normal hormone levels and lead to a profound decrease in sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, or an inability to achieve orgasm. It is uncertain if delaying hormonal therapy in younger men adversely affects survival. It is unclear if women with breast cancer who receive tamoxifen experience sexual dysfunction similar to men who receive hormonal therapy. Assessment of sexual function in people with cancer Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life for many patients.