Cancerwise

Sex is a normal, healthy part of adult life. But some side effects of cancer treatment can directly impact your ability to enjoy it.

Advanced practice provider Donna Herrera Bell and clinical psychotherapist Carmella Wygant explored this topic during a recent Cancerwise podcast. Here are four highlights from their conversation.

Men: Don’t confuse infertility with impotence

If you’re a male patient at UT MD Anderson, you will likely be counseled on how cancer treatment could affect your fertility. This applies whether you’re facing an orchiectomy due to testicular cancer, the heavy duty chemotherapy that precedes a stem cell transplant, or some other form of cancer treatment.

The most important thing to remember from these conversations? The ability to sire a child is not the same thing as the ability to maintain an erection.

“Many men equate infertility with sexual dysfunction,” explains Bell. “They think, ‘Oh yeah. I was told I was at high risk for infertility. That’s why I can’t get an erection. But ‘infertility’ doesn’t mean you’re not going to be able to perform sexually. You should still be having erections. You should still be able to ejaculate. If you’re unable to do any of those things, that’s not normal. You need to let your provider know.”

Women: Don’t resign yourself to dryness-related discomfort

Vaginal dryness is an issue for many women, especially those who are already in menopause. But whether it’s caused by low estrogen levels, pelvic radiation, or some other form of cancer treatment, vaginal dryness is not just a problem when it comes to sex.

“Vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable in your daily life, too,” notes Bell. “Many of my female patients tell me, ‘I’m even uncomfortable just sitting at my desk.’ Or, ‘I’m a teacher and I’m uncomfortable standing in front of my classroom.’”

Regardless of what’s causing vaginal dryness, you need not resign yourself to a lifetime of suffering.

“Hormone replacement may help,” notes Bell. “Even women who are not candidates for that could be candidates for topical estrogen — including some of our breast cancer patients. There’s also a myriad of other products that can be used, such as coconut oil.”