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Health condition

Sex after cancer

Cancer treatment commonly affects desire, erections, lubrication and body confidence - and effective help exists at every step, though patients are rarely told about it.

Last reviewed 2026-09-27 · Next review due 2027-09-27

Key points

  • Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatments each affect sexual function differently

  • Problems are common after prostate, breast, gynaecological and bowel cancer - and treatable

  • ED after pelvic surgery responds to tablets, devices, injections and implants; early rehabilitation helps

  • Vaginal dryness and pain have effective local treatments

  • Ask for referral to psychosexual and cancer rehabilitation services - this is standard care, not an indulgence

Understanding it

About Sex after cancer.

Sexuality is one of the most neglected areas of cancer recovery. Nerve injury from pelvic surgery, hormonal therapies suppressing desire, fatigue, and altered body image all play a part - and each has specific, evidence-based interventions, from penile rehabilitation to hormone-safe local treatments.

An open assessment of the specific treatment effects involved, early rehabilitation where relevant, and combined medical and psychosexual support - couples benefit most when both partners are included. On the NHS, routine referrals of this kind often take 20-45+ weeks in many areas, whereas a private psychosexual medicine specialist can typically see you within around two weeks, with any tests and treatment arranged promptly afterwards.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or specialist knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and treat sudden severe symptoms as an emergency.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Sex after cancer.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • How does cancer treatment affect sex and intimacy?

    Cancer treatment commonly affects desire, erections, lubrication and body confidence - and effective help exists at every step, though patients are rarely told this proactively and often have to ask.

  • Why does cancer treatment affect sexual function?

    Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy can each affect sexual function through different mechanisms - nerve damage, hormonal changes, fatigue, and psychological impact of the diagnosis and treatment itself.

  • Can sexual side effects of cancer treatment be treated?

    Yes, many effective treatments exist depending on the specific issue - lubricants and vaginal moisturisers, medications for erectile difficulty, pelvic floor therapy, and psychological support for body image and confidence.

  • Is it normal to feel awkward discussing sex with my cancer team?

    Yes, it's very common, but cancer teams increasingly include specialists who can discuss this openly, and raising it yourself, even if it feels awkward, opens the door to real, practical help.

  • Does sexual function usually recover after cancer treatment?

    Many people see significant improvement over time, sometimes with specific treatment, though the pattern and degree of recovery depends on the type of treatment received and individual factors.

  • When should I raise concerns about sex and intimacy during cancer care?

    Raise it as soon as it's affecting you - during treatment or in follow-up - with your cancer team or GP, who can refer you to specific support such as a psychosexual specialist if needed.