If you’ve had your clitoris or other sensitive areas of the vulva removed, you may have difficulty reaching orgasm. Removal of the uterus, cervix and ovaries can also change how you experience sexual pleasure and orgasm.
Worrying about cancer or cancer treatment can make reaching an orgasm more difficult.
As the brain is one of the major sexual organs, thinking about past sexual experiences or fantasies can sometimes help. You could try exploring erotic stories in books, magazines or in film.
Tips for reaching orgasm
- Use masturbation to see what works for you.
- Use stroking and massage, or guide your partner’s hands or fingers to areas that arouse and excite you.
- Focus on your breathing. Try to tense and relax your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles in time with your breathing during penetration or while your clitoris is being stroked.
- Explore reaching orgasm without penetration. Try oral sex, masturbation with sex toys or all-over touching.
- Try different positions: experiment with tensing your thighs, closing or opening your legs or pointing your toes.
- Consider using an electric vibrator, which may give you the extra stimulation you need to reach orgasm.
→ READ MORE: Loss of sexual pleasure
Podcast: Sex and Cancer
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Dr Margaret McGrath, Head of Discipline: Occupational Therapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW; Yvette Adams, Consumer; Dr Kimberley Allison, Out with Cancer study, Western Sydney University, NSW; Andreea Ardeleanu, Mental Health Accredited Social Worker, Cancer Counselling Service, Canberra Health Service, ACT; Kate Barber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Dr Kerrie Clover, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Psycho-Oncology Service, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Maree Grier, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Mark Jenkin, Consumer; Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Health, QLD; Dr Rosalie Power, Out with Cancer study, Western Sydney University, NSW; Dr Margaret Redelman OAM, Medical Practitioner and Clinical Psychosexual Therapist, Sydney, NSW; Kerry Santoro, Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Consultant, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA; Simone Sheridan, Sexual Health Nurse Consultant, Sexual Health Services – Austin Health, Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, VIC; Prof Jane Ussher, Chair, Women’s Heath Psychology and Chief Investigator, Out with Cancer study, Western Sydney University, NSW; Paula Watt, Clinical Psychologist, WOMEN Centre, WA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
