Overview
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your sex life and relationships. These changes may be temporary or permanent, and can be one of the hardest parts of life during or after cancer.
Your desire for sex (libido) may be reduced. This is due to many factors, including your physical health and how you feel about yourself. Or you may want to have sex, but your body may not respond like it used to.
Changes to sex and intimacy can be difficult for people with cancer, but there is help and support. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
When talking about the body in this booklet, we use the terms “female” and “male” for clarity. We acknowledge that some people may identify with a different sex or gender.
About sex, intimacy and cancer
Learn about the role that sex plays in your life, and why intimacy is an important part of who we are.
How cancer treatment can affect your sex life
Understand how sex can be different, both physically and emotionally, during and after cancer or treatment.
Common sex questions
Find out how to balance sex and intimacy with your recovery, as well as tips for using barrier protection (condoms and dental dams).
Sex and your body
Understand how your desire for sex is impacted by hormones and wellbeing. See our diagrams to learn about sexual and reproductive body parts.
Overcoming specific challenges
Explore strategies for overcoming common issues, including fatigue, pain, incontinence, and early menopause.
Concerns for partners
It can be hard watching someone you love go through cancer. Learn about ways to stay connected and improve communication.
Questions for your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about sex and cancer.
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