Cancer and libido

The announcement of cancer can cause a chain of multiple reactions from the person concerned. Reluctance for sexual activity is one of them. A study shows that after two years of cancer, the majority of patients report significant negative effects on their libidos. 

Explanations for this phenomenon

Direct effect of cancer

According to statistics from the National Cancer Institute (2014 figure), 89% of male patients and 75% of affected females suffer from sexual disorders. Their common background is their experience with cancer of the reproductive system (testis, cervix, etc.). 

Treatments

Sometimes invasive and confusing, cancer therapies can affect patients ‘intimacy. In order to have a normal sexual life, a number of conditions must be met. Physical health and well-being are one of them. After treatment, intolerances and side effects are often observed: fatigue, discomfort, various ailments... Psychological problems can also occur: depression, loss of self-confidence, fear of rejection, isolation...

How to overcome this

Dialogue and support

We need to talk about it. Relatives, sexologists, psychologists and patient associations are there to support you and listen to you.

Compromise between couples

The most advisable solution is communication between the two spouses. This discussion can cover a whole list of intimate topics. Preliminaries focused on tenderness. New positions to experiment with. Listening to each other during the sexual act, etc.

The ball is in your court, it's all up to you!