Chemo tablets, condoms and sex

Hi Red 45,

Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

Talking about sex and cancer as well as cancer and relationships or how you cope with your feelings is really important. Hopefully, this information should help.

Ribociclib (Kisqali) belongs to a group of targeted therapy drugs also known as growth inhibitors and is used to treat breast cancer.

It is important not to get pregnant whilst having this treatment and for some time afterwards as these drugs may harm a developing baby.

Early menopause decreases your fertility until you’ve gone through the menopause when you would no longer be able to get pregnant naturally. But, unless you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, you can still get pregnant.

It is recommended to use 2 forms of contraception whilst on this drug and for at least 21 days after treatment finishes.

Using condoms or caps (diaphragms) are a good way of protecting partners and protecting yourself as small amounts of these drugs can get into your body fluids and may harm others.

You should follow the advice of your healthcare team of what types of contraception to use and how long for.

If you’ve not been through the menopause, you will also have treatment to stop the ovaries producing oestrogen, either temporarily or permanently through ovarian suppression.

It may be an idea to discuss this further with your doctor to check your menopausal status.

Coping with menopausal symptoms, cancer and treatment can be tough going. Sometimes talking to others in a similar situation helps.

The following links are also good sources of information and support. The Daisy Network, Menopausematters or,  Menomandate.

If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

Best wishes

David, 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.

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Chemo tablets, condoms and sex

Red 451 day ago

Should we be using a condom if I am taking oral chemotherapy tablets- ribociclib. Also if I haven't had a period, in two yrs due to my medication sending me into early menopause, could I get pregnant (51yrs).

We haven't had sex as my husband doesn't like condom. Also I don't want to pass tge chemo on to him and don't want to get pregnant.

Any advice would be great. Everyone I ask face to face doesn't know the answer.

Thanks 

• R