Undergoing chemotherapy can impact many aspects of your health, including your sexual well-being. While treatment focuses on combating cancer, it's essential to consider how it may affect your body, relationships and future reproductive health. 

Chemotherapy can alter hormone levels, impact fertility and change how you feel about intimacy. Below are key points to keep in mind about sexual health during and after chemotherapy.

Use Protection During Sex

Always use a condom or dental dam when engaging in any type of sex (oral, anal or vaginal) while undergoing chemotherapy and for at least a week after treatment ends. This precaution helps protect your partner from any residual medication in your body. 

Using protection also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections, which can be more dangerous when your immune system is weakened. Learn more about safe sex practices by contacting the sexual health experts at John Theurer Cancer Center.

Avoid Pregnancy

It's crucial to prevent pregnancy while receiving chemotherapy and for up to one year after treatment ends, as the medications can harm a developing fetus. If you're sexually active, consult your health care team about the most effective birth control options. Hormonal birth control may not be recommended for some patients undergoing chemotherapy, so discussing options like barrier methods or non-hormonal IUDs with your doctor is essential. 

If You Are or Might Be Pregnant

If you suspect you're pregnant or know that you are, inform your health care team immediately. Chemotherapy can pose serious risks to an unborn baby, and your doctors can help determine the safest course of action. Your medical team can guide you through potential treatment adjustments or alternative care approaches to protect both you and your baby.

Fertility and Planning for the Future

If you may want to have children in the future, consider fertility preservation options such as freezing eggs or sperm banking before starting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can affect reproductive organs and hormone production, potentially leading to temporary or permanent infertility. Discuss these options with your health care provider as early as possible to understand the best plan for your future family goals. 

Protect Yourself from Infection

Chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, making infections more likely. To reduce this risk, always use condoms or dental dams during sex, and in some cases, you may need to abstain from sexual activity. 

Contact your health care team if you experience symptoms such as pain during urination, unusual discharge, itching, sores or bumps in the genital area. Good hygiene and regular medical check-ups are crucial in maintaining overall sexual health during treatment.

Be Careful of Bleeding

Certain cancer treatments may make you more prone to bleeding. If this applies to you, you may need to avoid penetrative sex (vaginal or anal) temporarily. Chemotherapy can lower platelet counts, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. If you notice any bleeding from your vagina, penis or while urinating, report it to your health care provider immediately. Your doctor may provide guidance on alternative forms of intimacy that are safer during treatment.

Changes in Your Body and Feelings

Chemotherapy can affect your body image, lower your sex drive, cause vaginal dryness or lead to difficulties with erections. These changes are common, and it’s important to communicate any concerns with your health care team, who can provide support and possible treatment options. Open conversations with your partner can also help maintain intimacy and emotional connection during this time. 

Utilize Experts & Local Resources

• Consult specialists: Reach out to experts in sexual health and fertility preservation to discuss your concerns and options.
• Communicate with your partner: Maintain open discussions about changes in your body and feelings to support each other during this time.
• Join support groups: Connect with others who have similar experiences to share insights and coping strategies.
• Utilize hospital resources: Explore programs like Hackensack Meridian Health's Cancer Navigator Program, which guides patients through various aspects of cancer care

Next Steps & Resources:

• Make an appointment with a cancer specialist near you or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about our cancer center at Hackensack Meridian Health.
• Fertility Preservation Program
• John Theurer Cancer Center – Cancer Care Medical Team
  
  

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.