Cancer and its treatment can lead to a number of sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) for men and painful intercourse for women. And sexual issues can occur even if the cancer does not affect an area of the body typically associated with sex.
Unfortunately, sexual health is not always a discussion topic between healthcare providers and cancer patients.
In a recent survey of 4,181 cancer patients in France, about 55% of respondents said that nobody on their healthcare team had initiated such a discussion.
The participants were surveyed about two years since their cancer diagnosis. They ranged in age from 18 to 82 years old. Forty-eight percent were men; 52% were women.
Just under a quarter of the respondents said they had talked about sexual health with a doctor. Twenty-two percent said they did not wish to discuss it. Patients showed a greater reluctance to talk about it as they got older.
Conversations about sexual health were more common for patients with prostate and cervical cancer.
Overall, women were less likely than men to have a sexual health discussion with their doctor, but were more likely initiate the discussion themselves.
The study was published online in September 2016 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
If you or your partner are experiencing sexual issues due to cancer, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. Most likely, there are ways to manage your symptoms so that you can enjoy intimacy again.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Charif, Ali Ben, PhD, et al.
“Patient Discussion About Sexual Health With Health Care Providers After Cancer—A National Survey”
(Full-text. First published online: September 26, 2016)
http://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(16)30407-6/fulltext
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
