What important issues should cancer survivors be aware of about sexual health?

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SharonBoberPhD (Physician - Psychiatry (Verified) ) - 08 / 05 / 2012

There are many important issues that are relevant for both men and women after cancer. First, it is critical to acknowledge that everyone deserves to optimize quality of life after cancer and sexual health is a part of that quality of life. Second, I think it is important to remember that sexuality is much broader than intercourse or a specific physical act. Sexuality encompasses how we think and feel about ourselves, about our bodies, about how we feel in relation to other people. Not everyone experiences sexuality in the same way, but more importantly, if something is different and distressing in any way after cancer treatment, then it is valid and worthy of attention. Finally I would also emphasize that under any circumstances, sexual function changes over time. Sexual function looks different at age 20 versus age 40 or age 60 even without cancer. The goal is always to optimize sexual function yet acknowledge that sometimes things change and they can never be exactly how they used to be. That said, when cancer treatment causes disruption, this can present an opportunity for an individual or couple to “expand the repertoire”; instead of trying to regain a sex life that looks exactly the same as before, a couple can actually broaden their experience. For example, sometimes couples learn to communicate more honestly and directly about both physical and emotional intimacy. Often before cancer, many couples never really have to talk about sex that much because things worked well enough. This kind of change in communication can itself bring a new level of closeness that is very satisfying.
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