My partner began his Chemo treatment yesterday following an anterior resection six weeks ago. This treatment will continue until the summer. We had unprotected sex this morning and we’re so pleased things seem to be in working order but now realise we should have used protection ( there is no risk of pregnancy). Is there anything I /we should do or just chalk it up to experience and hope for the best.?
Hi LizzieD
My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.
Welcome to the online community. I hope you find the support and information helpful.
Everyone is affected differently both by their diagnosis and the effects any treatment has on their body. For this reason, we can only give general advice.
Its good you can carry on being close to each other during this possibly difficult time and hope this brings you both some comfort.
Small amounts of chemotherapy, or other drugs, can get into your body fluids. This includes the fluid that contains sperm. To protect you both your partners cancer doctor may advise that for a few days after certain drugs you use a condom for any sexual contact, it’s also advised to use a condom for oral sex also
What’s been done can’t be changed. However, it may be worthwhile letting your partner’s specialist nurse know of your concerns about having unprotected sex. If for nothing else to put both your minds at rest. This will also give the nurse the opportunity to offer specific advice if needed
Please be assured many people will continue to have an active sex life, as its usually safe to do so.
If you’d like further explanation or have any other questions, please feel free to recontact us, either on this platform or give one of our cancer information nurses a call on our help line.
take care
Keith, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref KM/DT
