How to manage your own feelings about sex while going through chemotherapy If both people are up for it, bathe together or take turns giving each other a massage. Hold hands as often as you can, and cuddle when sitting by each other. Use this time to find new ways - or rekindle old ways - of showing love to each other. This may include snuggling while watching a movie together or holding hands while going for a walk. Then together, come up with some ideas to remain intimate without having sex. Allow them time to share how they’re feeling, and ask what you can do to provide support. The first way to support your partner is to have an open and honest conversation. Here’s a list of strategies and helpful tips for supporting your partner if they don’t feel like having sex during this time. The good news? There are other things you can do to promote intimacy. It’s not uncommon to feel less interested in having sex during this time. Ways to support your partner if they don’t feel up for sex It may also impact your desire to be intimate.īe kind to yourself and take it slow. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue and nausea. Feelings associated with being sexually activeĮven if you’re physically cleared to have sex, you may not feel up to it. Talk with a health professional about treatment options and how long this pain typically lasts. Pain associated with sexĬhemotherapy and radiation can cause dyspareunia, a recurring pain within the pelvis or the genital area during sexual intercourse. If you’re in a sexual relationship, talk with your doctor about the safety of passing bodily fluids while receiving chemotherapy treatment. This can help prevent or at least minimize the passing of bodily fluids. Because of this, the recommendation is to use a condom for vaginal or anal sex or a dental dam for oral sex for at least 48 to 72 hours after treatment. It’s not known whether chemotherapy drugs can be passed to your partner through bodily fluids. If you want to get pregnant after treatment, the American Cancer Society recommends talking with your doctor about how long you’ll need birth control after you finish chemotherapy. If you’re in a sexual relationship or plan on having sex while on chemotherapy, make sure to use birth control. Chance of pregnancyĪccording to the National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy can cause changes in eggs and sperm that could lead to birth defects, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy. In this situation, your doctor will determine when it’s safe for you to have sex. If you have cancer of the genital, urinary tract, or rectum, you may need extra time to heal before sexual penetration. If your blood platelet count is below 50,000, your doctor may advise against having sex, especially since platelets can protect against bleeding and bruising during sex. If you have low white blood cell counts or low platelet count from certain types of chemotherapy, you may need to refrain from having sex.Īccording to OncoLink, an educational site supported by oncology healthcare professionals, platelets below 50,000 puts you at an increased risk for infection or bleeding. That being said, there are some things to consider when determining whether it’s safe to have sex during chemotherapy treatment. Ultimately, this is a decision you need to make with your doctor’s guidance. These include preventing pregnancy, protecting against infection, and avoiding exposing a partner to chemotherapy in bodily fluids like vaginal fluids or semen. Knowing when it’s safe to have sex after chemotherapy depends on various factors including your physical health, emotional well-being, and comfort level.Īccording to a 2014 article review, sex is generally considered safe during chemotherapy treatment as long as safe sex practices are in place. There are many precautions you should take during chemotherapy treatment, including those related to sexual activity.
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