Sex during cancer treatment is generally considered safe, but there are some health concerns to consider.
Patients are encouraged to speak to a care team member and ask questions before engaging in sexual activity.
Sex during cancer treatment is generally considered safe, but there are some health concerns to consider.
Patients are encouraged to speak to a care team member and ask questions before engaging in sexual activity.
Sexual activity includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex and masturbation. In some case, there is a risk of bleeding and infection due to certain cancers and treatments. In addition, the patient’s sexual partner could be exposed to chemotherapy drugs if the patient has sex with a partner while the drugs are still active.
Patients should take certain precautions before having sex during cancer treatment:
Using a condom or other form of barrier protection is especially important for people with cancer because their immune system may be weakened. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a risk for anyone who has unprotected sex.
People having sex while receiving treatment should use always use barrier protection such as latex condoms with nonoxyl-9 spermicide. Using condoms:
Some people experience no problems having sex during and after cancer treatment. For others, feelings and changes experienced during cancer can make it difficult to enjoy sexual intimacy. These include:
Many factors can affect feelings during sex. These emotions can cause a person to want to have sex less frequently or to have difficulty having an orgasm or maintaining an erection. These feelings are all normal.
Ways to resolve these feelings include:
Pediatric cancer patients are often uncomfortable talking to their care team about sexual issues. They may not want their parents to find out. The conversation will most likely be kept confidential between the provider and patient.
Some states give providers the option to inform parents that their child is seeking services related to sexual health care. Patients are encouraged to be clear about their wishes for the conversation to remain private.
Unprotected sex could result in pregnancy during cancer treatment. If a pregnancy does occur, doctors may stop therapy or change the treatment plan. Changes may affect how well the cancer responds to treatment.
It is strongly recommended to wait until after treatment to have a baby and always use protection during sex. The care team can advise patients on how long to wait to try to have children.
All sexually active women should regularly see a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health), but each patient reacts differently to treatment. For some survivors, gynecologists may suggest women stop taking medicine or birth control for a short time to resume regular periods.
Women who have not had a menstrual period 6 months after treatment should call their gynecologist or talk to their care team.
Barrier protection, with condoms, should always be used.
If vaginal dryness is a problem, using a water-based (rather than oil-based) lubricant may help. Water-based lubricants inhibit the growth of bacteria.
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Reviewed: July 2020