Whatever the reason, questions about your sexual life require answers. Offer help with actual physical problems associated with resuming sexual activity following cancer treatments, such as how to manage an ostomy during intercourse, problems of sexual arousal or lack of interest due to fatigue or problems in communication, and resuming sexual relations after surgery for prostate or bladder cancer. Provide information and guidance about your illness for your spouse or partner, who may be unsure about when or how to resume sexual relationships. Provide written materials about sexual problems and their solutions. First, talk with your doctor about whether your treatments will have any effect on sexual activity.
Sex can be difficult for many people to discuss.
If your doctor does not bring up the subject and you are uncomfortable asking, ask a nurse or social worker to help you talk with your doctor. 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.