Sometimes surgery or radiation therapy can affect nerves and tissue in the pelvic area, causing scarring, narrowing of the vagina, swelling and soreness. This can make sex painful. If you’ve had your clitoris removed, you may have difficulty reaching orgasm. Take time to explore and touch your body to find out what feels good. Using extra lubrication may make sexual activity more comfortable. Choose a water-based or silicone- based gel without perfumes or colouring.
For more on this, see Sexuality, intimacy and cancer and listen to the podcast below.
Sexual desire (libido)
Changes to the look and feel of your vulva can cause embarrassment, loss of sexual pleasure, and less interest in sex. The experience of having cancer can also reduce your desire for sex. You may wish to have counselling to help understand the impact treatment has had on your sexuality. A sex therapist or psychologist can help you (and your partner if you have one) adjust to changes and find new ways to express intimacy and enjoy sex. Ask your doctor for a referral.
→ READ MORE: Life after treatment
Podcast: Sex and Cancer
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Prof Alison Brand AM, Director, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Kim Hobbs, Clinical Specialist Social Worker, Gynaecological Cancer, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Ming-Yin Lin, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Lisa Mackenzie, Clinical Psychologist Registrar, HNE Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW; Anne Mellon, CNC – Gynaecological Oncology, HNE Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Tarek Meniawy, Medical Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and The University of Western Australia, WA; Dr Archana Rao, Gynaecological Oncologist, Senior Staff Specialist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Tara Redemski, Senior Physiotherapist – Cancer and Blood Disorders, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Anita Tyrrell, Consumer; Maria Veale, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council QLD.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Life after cancer treatment
Webinars, exercise and nutrition, sexuality programs, and back-to-work support
Need legal and financial assistance?
Pro bono services, financial and legal assistance, and no interest loans
Cancer information
Sexuality, intimacy and cancer
Ways to adapt when cancer treatment affects your sexuality
Resource hub
Guides, fact sheets, videos, podcasts and more for people with cancer, their families and friends