Coping with intimacy and cancer treatment.

Coping with intimacy and Cancer treatment.

Not everyone who has cancer or is in remission will experience changes in sexual desire or how they think about themselves sexually and they might not notice any changes at all. However, we may find cancer changing our body, and this might affect the way we feel about ourselves and sex: trust us this is completely normal and justified. 

Some might lose interest in sex altogether and feel very beat down while some people feel they would like to have more sex more than usual. If someone is in a relationship, a crisis like cancer can end up bringing couples much closer together.

As people are different, so are their different sexual needs, it really is impossible to say exactly if and how cancer will affect anyone’s sexuality and sex life. Certain forms of cancer and their ensuing treatment can have an effect on your ability or change your desire to have sex more than others. If you are in a loving caring relationship your concerns might be different from someone who is single.

If feelings towards your body, or what you think of having sex change during the cancer treatment, it doesn’t mean it’ll last forever. Effective communication with your partner or doctor on your worries can help ease them. 

Living with cancer or getting treatment can cause sickness or feelings of being sick, fatigue, mood changes, irritation, depression, bladder and bowel troubles, oral issues, breathing complications, hormone changes, and body image issues. tiredness (fatigue)

People might not feel like having sex if they have any of these side effects or feelings: and that is completely understandable. 

Some people say they feel less attractive to themselves because of them. There might not be enough energy for you to take as much interest in your appearance or grooming as you once did.

If you are a partner of someone in this situation, you might worry about your partner seeming so low and out. This is understandable. But remember that many people feel much better once treatment is over, or if their symptoms improve. 

Painkillers can help if you have a lot of pain because of y our cancer, just plan a little in advance. For example, you could take the painkillers 30 to 60 minutes beforehand and not worry later. 

Fatigue or Tiredness

This can last for some time after cancer treatment is over. Many people feel better and stronger within a couple of months after treatment. But some feel exhausted for as long as a year, particularly if they had intensive chemotherapy.

Not wanting to or not feeling like having sex if you are very tired is totally understandable. So a gentle simple touch can help propel feel cared for and get rid of any anxiety and depression they may have.

Feelings can be better than sex if you and your partner like being close to each other, touching, kissing, talking or just holding hands.Life is beautiful and it’s always better when you’re loved and supported. It is always good to agree on what is acceptable to each of you, so have a word with other about your concerns and fears. Don’t be afraid of sharing what you like, and don’t like. Talking about sex can be a little uneasy, but talking about your real feelings and what you both want as individuals can be very reassuring, and can feel a lot like love.