Anal Sex After LAR July 2022

VJS1985 20 days ago

3 replies
38 subscribers
238 views

Hi There,

Never did I think I’d be writing a post like this but here goes I had a LAR for rectal cancel back in July 2022 and I was just wondering if I am ok to have anal sex… god I feel rather dirty asking that but hey so yea I never had any radiotherapy just chemotherapy CAPOX, are you able to advise please.

Thanks

VJS

Louise R - Macmillan 19 days ago

Hi VJS1985

Thanks for getting in touch. My name’s Louise, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

It’s good that you have asked this question. People often ask about sex and cancer. You should never feel dirty asking about your sex life. It’s important to talk about things that matter to you.

If you have had an LAR (low anterior resection) to remove part of the rectum, it is not possible to have anal sex after this type of surgery.

It can be difficult to find out your sex life is affected by cancer. Talking about how you are feeling can make things easier. Some people find it helpful to share experiences with others in a similar situation. I can see you have joined the bowel cancer forum on here. I hope you are finding it helpful.

Your healthcare team is also there to answer questions and talk things through. You can contact your consultant or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with any questions or concerns. They can be reached via the medical secretaries, who can be contacted via the main hospital number (switchboard).

You can also find support in your area.

It might also help to talk to us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.

Best wishes

Louise

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 email us.

Ref: LR/LA

VJS1985 19 days ago in reply to Louise R - Macmillan

When I saw some diagrams of what was removed during surgery there was some rectum left it was like only the top half of it if that makes sense.. or is it a no go completely

Louise R - Macmillan 18 days ago in reply to VJS1985

Hi VJS1985

Thanks for getting in touch again. My name’s Louise, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

As we don’t have access to medical records here on the support line, we can only give general information.

Your consultant or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) are best placed to answer more specific questions about the type of surgery you had for rectal cancer, and anal sex.

You can contact them directly or through the medical secretaries, who can be reached via the main hospital number (switchboard).

Having conversations about sex and cancer can be challenging. We have a whole page dedicated to talking about sex and cancer which has a lot of information and resources that might be helpful.

It’s important to look after your sexual wellbeing. As I mentioned in my previous reply, it can help to share experiences with other people and our online community can be a great way to get this type of support.