Cancer of the uterus can affect your sex life in both physical and emotional ways. Some treatments can cause dryness and narrowing of the vagina, which can make sexual penetration difficult or painful. Also, removal of the uterus, cervix and ovaries can change how you experience sexual pleasure and orgasm.
Managing physical changes
Your treatment team may advise using vaginal dilators, lubricants, moisturisers or hormone creams. It may be helpful to explore ways to orgasm (climax) without penetration or to use masturbation to see what might work for you.
Emotional impact and intimacy
You may lose interest in intimacy and sex (low libido) because of the hormonal changes of menopause, the stress of the cancer experience, the fatigue caused by treatment, and changes in how you feel about your body (body image). It may help to remember that for most people, sex is more than arousal, intercourse and orgasm. It involves feelings of intimacy and acceptance, as well as being able to give and receive love. Closeness and sharing can still be part of your relationship.
Talk openly with your partner
If you have a partner and do not feel like having sexual intercourse, or if you find it uncomfortable, talk openly with them about how you’re both feeling, and take things slowly by starting with hugs or a massage rather than penetrative sex. You may both need to be patient – things often improve with time and practice.
If you have ongoing concerns about how treatment has affected your sex life, talk to your GP or gynaecological oncologist or ask for a referral to a psychologist or sexual therapist.
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All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Professor Alison Brand, Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney and Director, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: A/Prof Orla McNally, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, Director Oncology/Dysplasia, Royal Women’s Hospital, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, and Director of Gynaecology Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yoland Antill, Medical Oncologist, Peninsula Health, Parkville Familial Cancer Centre, Cabrini Health and Monash University, VIC; Grace Guerzoni, Consumer; Zeina Hayes, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Hospital Brisbane, QLD; A/Prof Christopher Milross, Director of Mission and Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Mariad O’Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW.
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