Sex, sexuality and cancer
Cancer and its treatment can make you lose interest in having sex.
Your sex drive might be lower because of:
tiredness (fatigue)
anxiety about having cancer
loss of confidence and self esteem
side effects from other treatments such as cancer drugs
changes in hormone levels
Many of these problems will disappear once your treatment finishes. And your desire for sex will go back to normal. But it may take a bit of time, so don’t worry too much if you don’t feel like having sex for a while.
If you’re in a relationship it will be important to talk about this with your partner. Sometimes if you lose your interest in sex it stops you making the effort to enjoy other physical contact with your partner. This can be very difficult for you both.
Even though you don’t feel like having sex, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy kissing, cuddling and being close to your partner. Kissing and touching can be very comforting and relaxing. As long as you are both clear about how far you’re expecting to go.
It may be helpful, or necessary, to put intercourse on hold for a while. Focus on showing each other affection in other ways. Some people find that while they don’t feel like having sex, once they become physical with a partner or pleasure themselves, they become aroused. It can help to be open to this. It might also help to talk things through with a counsellor or therapist.
Find out about talking about your sexuality and sex life
Having advanced cancer means that your cancer cannot be cured. It doesn't necessarily mean that you are terminally ill. Whatever your situation, you will still have needs and desires. If you do not feel like having sexual intercourse, you might still have sexual feelings, even if you are very ill.
If your cancer is advanced you might have an even stronger need for intimacy in your life than before you had cancer. Physical closeness, sharing your feelings and touching might become very important.
Knowing your cancer cannot be cured can bring up some very strong emotions for you. This can be very difficult to cope with, especially if you are single and do not have the support of a caring partner. It might help to talk to someone else about how you are feeling.
If you’re worried about anything to do with your sex life or sexuality, you may want to talk through how you’re feeling. You could do this with a counsellor or therapist. Or you could contact some of the organisations that offer support and information.
Last reviewed: 20 Sept 2024
Next review due: 20 Sept 2027
If you are single and have cancer, you may have concerns about starting a new relationship, dealing with infertility or coping with rejection.
The male sexual organs include the penis, testicles and prostate gland.
There are lots of organisations, support groups and helpful books to help you cope with changes to your sex life or sexuality.
The female sexual organs include the vagina, vulva, clitoris, cervix, womb, ovaries, urethra and back passage (anal area).
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
Cancer and its treatments can affect sex and sexuality. Get information and support for people with cancer, partners and single people.
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