Navigating Intimacy: The Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients regarding Sex
Cancer takes. It can hijack and upend lives. At the least invasive, it is highly inconvenient. But one that often goes under the radar is the impact of cancer on our sexuality. Beyond the physical and emotional toll cancer takes on patients, cancer can also impact an individual’s intimate relationships and sexual well-being. Wellness Within has recorded two podcasts on cancer and sex. The first is with Dr. Anne Katz, who uses her industry expertise to provide some practical advice on coping and communication strategies. The second is a conversation with Dr. Samantha Siegal, who both applies her medical knowledge as a doctor, but also gets very real from her experience as a cancer patient navigating the impact of cancer on her sexuality. These podcasts can be found on any major station, by searching Wellness Within Cancer Support. Or click the links below to listen to them now.
Embracing Intimacy: Navigating the Conversation about Sexuality & Cancer with Dr. Siegel
Cancer and Sexuality with Dr. Anne Katz
For those who wish to read about the impacts of cancer on sexuality. We offer this blog post, where we will explore the challenges faced by cancer patients when it comes to sex and intimacy and discuss strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
Challenges and Barriers
Cancer and its treatments can bring about a slew of physical challenges that affect one’s ability to engage in sexual activity. These may include:
Fatigue: Many cancer patients experience extreme fatigue, making it difficult to find the energy for sex or intimacy.
Pain: Pain from tumors, surgery, or radiation therapy can be debilitating, making certain sexual positions or activities uncomfortable or impossible.
Changes in Body Image: Cancer treatments can cause weight changes, hair loss, and other physical changes that may lead to a diminished sense of self-esteem and body confidence, affecting one's willingness to engage in sexual activity.
Sexual Dysfunction: Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, can lead to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.
Cancer doesn't just affect the body; it can also have profound emotional and psychological effects. These can manifest in several ways:
Depression and Anxiety: Coping with cancer often leads to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can reduce one's interest in sex or cause difficulty in achieving sexual satisfaction.
Fear of Rejection: Some cancer patients fear that their partners will reject them or find them less attractive due to physical changes or the presence of the disease itself.
Loss of Intimacy: The stress and emotional strain of cancer can strain intimate relationships, leading to a loss of emotional connection and intimacy between partners.
Effective communication between cancer patients and their partners is crucial, but it can be challenging. Some common communication barriers include:
Embarrassment: Cancer patients might feel embarrassed or shy discussing their sexual concerns with their healthcare providers or partners.
Lack of Information: Many patients and their partners lack adequate information about how cancer and its treatments might affect their sexual health.
Cultural and Societal Stigmas: Societal and cultural norms surrounding cancer and sex can add an extra layer of difficulty in discussing these issues openly.
Coping Strategies
Despite the challenges, there are several coping strategies that cancer patients and their partners can employ to navigate intimacy:
Open Communication: Create a safe and open space for discussing your concerns, fears, and desires with your partner. Honest communication can help you both understand each other's needs better.
Seek Professional Help: Don't hesitate to consult with healthcare providers or therapists who specialize in sexual health for cancer patients. They can offer guidance, suggest treatments, and provide emotional support. Note that if you are not comfortable discussing sex with a medical provider on your team, a strategy is to find the right person with which to have these discussions. That can be a primary care physician, gynecologist/urologist, psychologist, or sex therapist, to name a few. Please note that not all medical practitioners are trained or well-versed in discussing sex during and after cancer. It's essential to seek out healthcare providers who either specialize in sexual health for cancer patients or who are comfortable having these discussions.
Experiment with Intimacy: Be willing to adapt and explore new ways to be intimate. This may involve trying different sexual positions, using lubricants, or focusing on emotional intimacy instead of physical.
Support Groups: Joining a cancer support group can provide you with a network of individuals who have faced similar challenges. Sharing experiences and advice with others who understand can be invaluable.
Educate Yourself: Empower yourself with knowledge about the potential effects of cancer and its treatments on sexual health. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and fear.
Conclusion
Cancer is formidable. However, it's important to remember that cancer doesn't define your worth or their ability to experience intimacy and a fulfilling sex life. With open communication, professional guidance, and a willingness to adapt, you and your partners can continue to find joy and connection in your relationships despite the challenges that lie ahead.