The Impact of Cancer Treatment on Sexual Health

Posted by Cancer Center at Wise Regional on May 24th, 2019

It may seem that sexual function and activity is the last thing on cancer patients’ minds but it remains important to their quality of life. A study showed that 43 percent of women and 62 percent of men stated that sexual health and wellbeing is important to their quality of life. Healthier patients reported higher sexual satisfaction than those in poor health. An estimated 40 percent to 100 percent of patients living with cancer endure sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction in cancer patients can be as a result of treatment or psychosocial issues linked to treatment or diagnosis.The disorders come in different forms and occur to both men and women of all sexual orientations. The following is how they manifest and can be handled:

• In Men – Surgical treatment of rectal, prostate and bladder cancer poses the risk of damaging nerves or blood supply, both of which are necessary for sexual function. Radiation therapy can cause penile fibrosis and erectile dysfunction. Androgen deprivation therapy, a common prostate cancer treatment, is likely to lower testosterone levels causing lower libido, erectile dysfunction and a reduction in the size of the testicles and penis.  

• In Women – Treatment involving surgical procedures may cause anatomical changes. Removal of tumors in the vulva or vagina could cause nerve damage and a radical hysterectomy usually requires the removal of the upper part of the vagina. Chemotherapy can cause vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Radiation therapy can also cause nerve damage and anatomical changes like vaginal atrophy.

• Handling it for both – Hormonal therapy may work well to ease postmenopausal-like symptoms for those with breast cancer that isn’t sensitive to hormones. Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and local estrogen treatment can help resolve vaginal dryness.

Men with erectile dysfunction can consider phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or a vacuum erectile device. Testosterone therapy can work for low testosterone levels. Weight loss, physical activity, reducing alcohol intake and complete smoking cessation would also be beneficial. If no other treatment approach works, a prosthetic penis is a viable option for erectile dysfunction.

Oncologists may sometimes be ill-equipped to discuss sexual health but psychosexual counseling is necessary for both women and men so as to clear the air.

About Author

North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas.