Managing Sexual Changes

• For Women: Talk with your doctor or nurse about:
  • Sex. Ask your doctor or nurse if it is okay for you to have sex during chemotherapy. Most women can have sex, but it is a good idea to ask.
  • Birth control. It is very important that you not get pregnant while having chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may hurt the fetus, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy. If you have not yet gone through menopause, talk with your doctor or nurse about birth control and ways to keep from getting pregnant.
  • Medications. Talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about medications that help with sexual problems. These include products to relieve vaginal dryness or a vaginal cream or suppository to reduce the chance of infection.
  • Wear cotton underwear (cotton underpants and pantyhose with cotton linings).
  • Do not wear tight pants or shorts.
  • Use a water-based vaginal lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly® or Astroglide®) when you have sex.
  • If sex is still painful because of dryness, ask your doctor or nurse about medications to help restore moisture in your vagina.
  • Cope with hot flashes by:
    • Dressing in layers, with an extra sweater or jacket that you can take off.
    • Being active. This includes walking, riding a bike, or other types of exercise.
    • Reducing stress. Try yoga, meditation, or other ways to relax.
  • For Men: Talk with your doctor or nurse about:
    • Sex. Ask your doctor or nurse if it is okay for you to have sex during chemotherapy. Most men can have sex, but it is a good idea to ask. Also, ask if you should use a condom when you have sex, since traces of chemotherapy may be in your semen..
    • Birth control. It is very important that your spouse or partner not get pregnant while you are getting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can damage your sperm and cause birth defects.
    •  For Women and Men:
    • Be open and honest with your spouse or partner. Talk about your feelings and concerns.
    • Explore new ways to show love. You and your spouse or partner may want to show your love for each other in new ways while you go through chemotherapy. For instance, if you are having sex less often, you may want to hug and cuddle more, bathe together, give each other massages, or try other activities that make you feel close to each other.
    • Talk with a doctor, nurse, social worker, or counselor. If you and your spouse or partner are concerned about sexual problems, you may want to talk with someone who can help. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor, sex therapist, or clergy member.