Many of the challenges that we talk about here are common for anyone with cancer. Other challenges are less common, or caused only by particular treatments. Some changes are temporary, while others are ongoing. If you need more information, talk to a health professional, or call 13 11 20.
Learn tips for managing:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Sadness and depression
- Loss of desire
- Erection problems
- Changes in ejaculation
- Difficulty reaching orgasm
- Changes to the vagina
- Pain
- Incontinence
- Changes in appearance
- Removal of a body part
- Sex life with a stoma
- Early medical or surgical menopause
If you have a brain tumour
Any type of tumour in the brain and its treatment can have an effect on your sex life and intimacy. Many people only think about the sexual side effects when cancer directly involves the genital organs, but the brain is important for sexual arousal.
Some areas of the brain are especially important for sexual function. These include the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, and pituitary gland. When these are affected, it can cause changes in behaviour, thinking and memory, personality and social skills.
Podcast: Sex and Cancer
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Dr Michael Lowy, Sexual Health Physician, Sydney Men’s Health, NSW; Gregory Bock, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Oncology Coordinator, Urology Cancer Nurse Coordination Service, Cancer Network WA; Anita Brown-Major, Occupational Therapist and Director, Thrive Rehab, VIC; Helena Green, Psychosexual Therapist and Clinical Sexologist, Insync for Life Psychology and Women Centre, WA; Dr Lisa Mackenzie, Clinical Psychologist, HNE Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW; Dr Tonia Mezzini, Sexual Health Physician, East Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SA; Sophie Otto, Prostate Cancer Nurse Consultant – Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), SA; Giovanna Raco, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Kath Schubach, Urology Nurse Practitioner, VIC; Emily Stevens, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Anja Vukovic, Clinical Specialist Social Worker, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Alan White, Consumer; Kathleen Wilkins, Consumer; Merran Williams, Consumer.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
