Sexual health · Condition guide

Sexual health after cancer

Cancer and its treatment often change sex and intimacy. These changes are common, they are rarely raised in busy clinics, and much can be done about them.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr Shivadev M, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), FECSMLast reviewed November 2026

Why cancer affects sex

Sexual problems are among the most common long-term effects of cancer treatment, yet they are often not discussed.^1,2 They can come from:

Surgery to the pelvis, prostate, bowel, bladder, breast or reproductive organs, which can affect nerves, blood supply or body image.
Radiotherapy to the pelvis, which can affect erections, vaginal tissue and comfort.
Hormone treatments, for example for breast or prostate cancer, which often reduce desire and cause vaginal dryness or erectile difficulty.
Chemotherapy, which can cause tiredness, early menopause, nausea and low desire.
The emotional impact: fear, low mood, changes in how you see your body, and changes in roles within the relationship.

What I help with

Erectile difficulty after prostate, bladder or bowel surgery or radiotherapy.
Vaginal dryness, narrowing or pain after treatment or with hormone therapy.
Low desire and fatigue.
Body image changes after surgery, stomas or hair loss.
Anxiety, depression and fear of recurrence.
Couples finding their way back to closeness.

How I work with your cancer team

I worked as part of an integrative oncology team, and I plan treatment with your cancer care in mind. Some options, such as hormonal treatments, depend on the type of cancer, so I discuss these with your oncologist before starting.¹

What can help

Information and permission. Knowing what is expected, and that it is fine to ask about sex, is a starting point recommended by international guidance.¹
Erection rehabilitation after prostate or pelvic treatment, using medicines and devices, started at the right time.³
Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers and lubricants as first-line options for dryness, with other treatments considered with your oncologist.¹
Vaginal trainers (dilators) and pelvic floor physiotherapy after pelvic radiotherapy or surgery.
Psychosexual and couple therapy to rebuild intimacy, with or without intercourse.^1,2
Treating anxiety and depression, choosing medicines that work with your cancer treatment.

Common questions

Is it safe to have sex during cancer treatment?

Often it is, but it depends on your treatment, blood counts and the type of cancer. Ask your oncologist about any specific precautions, such as contraception during chemotherapy.

When should I start addressing sexual problems?

As early as you wish. Some approaches, such as erection rehabilitation after prostate surgery, work best when started soon after treatment.

Can I use hormonal treatments for vaginal dryness after breast cancer?

This needs a careful discussion with your oncologist. Non-hormonal moisturisers and lubricants are usually tried first.

Can my partner come?

Yes. Cancer affects both partners, and many couples find it helps to come together.

Book a consultation

Related guides

References

Carter J, Lacchetti C, Andersen BL, et al. Interventions to address sexual problems in people with cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline adaptation of Cancer Care Ontario guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(5):492–511.
Bober SL, Varela VS. Sexuality in adult cancer survivors: challenges and intervention. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30(30):3712–3719.
European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Updated annually.

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor who has assessed you. Read how these pages are written in our editorial policy.