It’s hard to know what to say or how to begin a conversation sometimes. Even if these suggestions don’t fit your situation, they might give you a starting point.
With your partner |
With a new partner |
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“I feel like I never have any energy for sex, but I’m worried about how you’re feeling about that. Maybe we can work out a plan together.” “I am going to show you the way I like to be touched and the places that are sore and out of bounds.” “I feel ready for sex again, but I’d like to take things slowly.” “I’m ready to cuddle, but worried you think I’m ready for sex – can we agree to just cuddle for now?” “There are some things I would like to try to do together that may help us feel close and connected, without ‘going all the way’.” “I really miss our sex life. When can we talk about being physically close again?” “That’s the right spot, but a lighter touch would feel good.” |
“The cancer treatment changed my body in different ways. It’s hard to talk about the changes, but I want you to know about them. The treatment left me with [a stoma/ erection problems/etc.].” “I really like where our relationship is going. I need you to know that I had cancer some years ago, but I’m afraid you might prefer to be with someone who hasn’t had cancer. What are your thoughts about it?” “I am still interested in sex, but we might have to be a little inventive.” “I haven’t had sex since my cancer treatment, and I’m worried about how things will go. How do you feel about taking things slowly?” “Before we get really serious, I want to let you know how cancer treatment affected my fertility. I can’t physically conceive children, but I’m willing to explore other ways of becoming a parent down the track.” |
→ READ MORE: Communicating with a new partner
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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.
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