Whether you’re single or in a relationship… whatever your sexual orientation… cancer can have a big impact on your sex life. It might be something you worry about as soon as you are diagnosed, or you may only become aware of changes to your sex life as you go through treatment or after it’s finished.
This is why we’ve developed two new booklets to help people understand how cancer and its treatment can affect their sexuality and sex lives. You can order them now, and like all our information they’re completely free: Sexuality and cancer – information for men and Sexuality and cancer – information for women.
It’s difficult to predict how cancer and its treatments will affect you. For many people, any changes in their sexuality will be temporary. However, you may need to get used to permanent, physical changes and learn new ways to give and receive sexual pleasure.
Any type of surgery can affect your sexuality and sex life, even if it doesn’t involve the sexual areas of your body. Physical changes, such as having a stoma after bowel surgery, can change your body image and confidence. The booklets have tips on how to enjoy sex with a stoma in place, as well as how to cope with lots of other body changes after cancer.
It may be your partner who is concerned about sex. These booklets are for them too. The information in them will help you both to talk about your worries with each other. Communication is important in keeping a happy relationship on track.
Talking about your sexual issues can be the first step in dealing with any problems you’re having. Help is available for most problems, but you may never find out about it if you keep the issues to yourself.
The booklets explain who you can talk to and where to look for help if you’re worried about how cancer is changing your sex life.
We hope the information in this blog has helped you find what you need. If cancer has affected your sex life, Macmillan can offer information and support to help you. Order the booklets above or visit macmillan.org.uk/sex. Or you can call 0808 808 00 00 to speak to a cancer support specialist.
Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
