Sexual function is a part of overall health that is sometimes neglected during cancer treatment. Two oncology nurses offer suggestions for sexual and reproductive health in their new book, “The Chemotherapy Survival Guide”. If you're concerned about maintaining your fertility, then you should be sure your doctor discusses options with you as soon as you're diagnosed. If you have a romantic partner, then you may want to discuss sexual function with your doctor and nurses throughout your treatment program.
Chemotherapy agents can be found in semen and vaginal secretions for several days after treatment, so condoms are recommended to protect the partner. This is something I would never have guessed. However, if I become one of the millions of Americans who receives chemotherapy someday, I think it's encouraging to realize I may feel healthy enough for sex within a few days.
If there's any doubt as to how soon after surgery, chemo, or radiation it's safe to have sex, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. The American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists offers help in finding a professional to answer questions specific to your health condition. There are many options available to help men and women with physical limitations produced by the cancer, the treatment, or other factors. I'm sure you've heard of the “pink pill” by now, but its failure to win FDA approval should not discourage you from seeking treatment for sexual health issues.
Partners of cancer patients often have sexual health challenges as well. Many hesitate to initiate intimacy because they're afraid of causing physical damage to the patient, or of exacerbating the emotional distress of cancer, or of just getting rejected. Some are afraid of catching cancer. While sexual activity is associated with some types of cancer (see references), most cancers are not at all contagious. Ask your doctor about your diagnosis.
Emotional distress from cancer can make sexual activity more difficult, but sex can be excellent therapy for emotional distress. As soon as your doctor tells you it's safe, don't be afraid to draw your partner closer.
References:
Judith McKay, RN, OCN, and Tamera Schacher, RN, OCN, MSN, “The Chemotherapy Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Get Through Treatment”, third edition, New Harbinger Publications, Inc, 2009.
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists:
http://www.aasect.org/
More about sex after cancer:
https://www.empowher.com/breast-cancer/content/annette-mattern-sex-and-cancer-really
Possibilities for “catching” cancer from sexual activity:
https://www.empowher.com/throat-cancer/content/natural-ways-prevent-throat-cancer
https://www.empowher.com/sexually-transmitted-diseases/content/can-blow-jobs-give-you-cancer
https://www.empowher.com/cancer/content/shedding-light-anal-cancer
Linda Fugate is a scientist and writer in Austin, Texas. She has a Ph.D. in Physics and an M.S. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Her background includes academic and industrial research in materials science. She currently writes song lyrics and health articles.