Resuming sexual activity

While some people find sexual intimacy is the last thing on their minds during treatment, others have an increased need for closeness. An intimate connection with a partner can make you feel loved and supported as you come to terms with the impact of cancer. However, cancer can strain a relationship, particularly if you had relationship or intimacy problems before the diagnosis.

Sexuality and intimacy after a cancer diagnosis may be different, but this does not mean it will be better or worse. Your preferred sexual positions may become less comfortable temporarily or change over time. To adapt to these changes, you may need to be more open and confident, in and out of the bedroom. Try to explore different ways to feel sexual pleasure.

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What if I identify as LGBTI?

It is important to feel that your sexuality is respected when discussing how treatment will affect you. Acceptance of your sexuality is an important part of receiving support. Your clinical team should openly discuss your sexual needs and support you throughout treatment.

Try to find a doctor, nurse or counsellor who is comfortable discussing your sexual issues and relationships. You could also contact QLife, a national counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or intersex (LGBTI). Call 1800 184 527.

If you have a partner, take them to your appointments. This lets your doctor know who’s important to you and will mean your partner can be included in the discussions.

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This information was last reviewed in May 2019. View who reviewed this content.

Helena Green, Clinical Sexologist and Counsellor, inSync for Life, WA; Anita Brown-Major, Occupational Therapist, Thrive Rehab, VIC; Karina Campbell, Consumer; Nicole Kinnane, Nurse Consultant, Gynae-oncology Services, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Jessica Medd, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Headway Health and Concord Hospital, NSW; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Kath Schubach, Urology Nurse Practitioner, President – Australia and New Zealand Urological Nurses Society (ANZUNS), VIC; Prof Jane Ussher, Chair, Women’s Health Psychology, Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW; Maria Voukelatos, Consumer. We would like to thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.