SEXUAL ISSUES

There are a number of physical changes that often occur with diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of cancer. PHYSICAL

The emotional effects of cancer can be at least as important as the physical aspects EMOTIONAL

Physical Emotional 4

Surgical: Pain, numbness, removal of sensitive tissues, removal of hormone producing tissues COMMON SEXUAL EFFECTS OF CANCER TREATMENT

Surgical effects on sexual function depend on age, sexual and bladder function prior to surgery, tumor location and size, and amount of tissue removed. The main cause of problems with erection or orgasm is the injury of nerves in the pelvic cavity by cutting or damage to the blood supply. MEN

Following surgery to remove organs from the abdomen or pelvis may have pain and loss of sexual function depending on the amount of tissue removed. WOMEN

MEN Damages arteries supplying blood to the penis. Scar tissue can cause problems with nerves and blood flow. Women Infertility Pain from irritation Potential scar tissue RADIATION

LOSS OF DESIREMORE TIME OR STIMULATION NEEDED TO REACH ORGASM MOST COMMON SEXUAL EFECTS

SEXUAL HISTORY

SEXUAL PREFERENCES ARE STRONGLY ESTABLISHED AND ENDURE OVER TIME IF YOU DIDN’T ENJOY SEX BEFORE CANCER TREATMENT YOU ARE NOT LIKELY TO PURSUE SEXUAL ACTIVITY AFTER TREATMENT

HETEROSEXUAL HOMOSEXUAL MASTURBATION BODY TYPE FANTASIES PREFERENCE

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARTNER YOU WILL BE LESS LIKELY TO WANT TO ENGAGE IN SEX WITH THAT PERSON

DEPRESSION: COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE DISTURBANCES IN APPETITE, SLEEP, AND SEX DRIVE. ANXIETY: INTERFERES WITH SEXUAL INTEREST AND THE ABILITY TO RELAX DURING INTIMATE MOMENTS. MOOD

1.Talk with the doctor about symptoms and potential physical issues related to medication, chemotherapy, surgical, and radiation 2.Do things you believe will enhance your physical attractiveness to make yourself more comfortable. 3.Tackle embarrassment issues gradually. One step at a time. Taking small steps will increase your confidence Don’t be afraid to experiment on your own. Self expression is a good way to start. Remember to keep an open mind THINGS TO TRY

Visual stimulation is generally more powerful for men than for women but can be a powerful tool for both sexes. Olfactory senses are important also. Certain scents can recall pleasant images. Tactile stimulation can vary from soft to intense depending on the situation. Remembering that following treatment the time and intensity of stimulation need adjustment. Novelty: Try new things and new places. Vary the old “routine” this serves best to increase sexual interest Remember to allow time. The effects of cancer and cancer treatment decrease over time. TYPES OF STIMULATION

ANTIDEPRESSANTS BLOCKERS SEDATIVE/HYPNOTICS ANTICONVULSANTS MEDICATIONS PAIN MEDICATIONS SLEEPING MEDICATIONS ANTIHISTAMINES BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS