The Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy

How Treatment May Affect Your Sex Life...and What You Can Do About It

By Lisa Fayed, About.com Guide

Updated November 08, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

When people hear of chemotherapy side effects, they automatically think of things like hair loss and nausea -- not sex. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can affect your sex life during treatment, both directly and indirectly.

You may think that sex will be the last thing on your mind while going through treatment, but it shouldn't be. Intimacy can often bring higher levels of self esteem and make you feel closer to your partner during the rough times of treatment. Treatment often brings feelings of being unattractive because of hair loss and changes in weight (either gain or loss). Many psychologists agree that maintaining a normal sex life has many advantages while going through cancer treatment.

Is Sex Allowed While Going Through Chemotherapy?

Discussing with your doctor whether sex is safe is essential before resuming or maintaining a sexual relationship with your partner. For most people undergoing chemotherapy treatment, sex is medically permissible, even encouraged by their doctors. However, in some cases, sex can do more harm than good.

People undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of developing neutropenia, a side effect of treatment that results in a low white blood cell count. These white blood cells are vital for fighting off infections in the body. When the count is low, your body has less resistance to infection, which can lead to prolonged illness and possible hospital stays. Sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, are all pathways for infection to enter the body.
Sexual Side Effects that Can Occur During Treatment

Loss of Libido

Not feeling "in the mood" can be expected from both men and women who are going through treatment. Chemotherapy often leaves you exhausted by its side effects, and with little time or desire for sex. The related affects on self esteem also play a role.

• Dealing with Difference in Sex Drives
• Increasing Sexual Intimacy Through Touch
• How to Have Sex Without Intercourse

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or keep an erection. Some chemotherapy drugs may directly cause impotence in men, but it can also be a result of the emotional stress caused by treatment. The good news is that this is usually temporary and goes away after treatment.

• What is Erectile Dysfunction?
• Drugs that May Cause Impotence
• Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Vaginal Dryness

For women, some types of chemotherapy can cause vaginal dryness, a condition where no vaginal lubrication is created (even when a woman is aroused). This can lead to painful, irritating sex. Using a water based lubricant, such as K-Y jelly, can make sex more comfortable. Be sure to consult with your doctor before using any type of over-the-counter medications.

• Water Based Lubricants: Which are Best?
• Treatments for Vaginal Dryness
• Medications that Cause Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are common in women who are undergoing chemotherapy, especially if they are taking antibiotics or steroids. The infections affect the lining of the vagina, causing pain, burning and irritation during sex. Symptoms can include vaginal itchiness, burning, and a white vaginal discharge.

• What are Vaginal Yeast Infections?
• Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections
• 12 Ways to Prevent Vaginal Infections

Genital Warts or Herpes Simplex Virus Outbreaks or Flare-ups

If you have suffered from genital warts or herpes flare-ups in the past, you may notice they are more frequent during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy compromises your immune system, making it more vulnerable to the effects of viral infections such as HPV and HSV. Some people who have never experienced an outbreak or symptoms may do so for the first time during chemotherapy because of this.

• What is Herpes?
• What is HPV and What are the Symptoms?

What You Can Do About Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy
The good news is that most sexual side effects of chemotherapy go way after treatment. If you are experiencing sexual side effects, talk to your doctor. Trust me, you will not be the first or last to experience sexual problems during treatment. Staying intimate during treatment is important, and doctors realize this, so don't be shy about expressing your concerns.

Communication with your partner is essential. It may be difficult for some men to admit a side effect such as erectile dysfunction, but letting your partner know can only help the relationship.

Sources:
Effects of Cancer Treatment on Male Sexuality. Treatment Topics and Resources. American Cancer Society. Accessed September 15, 2008.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_7_2x_Cancer_Treatments_Effects_On_Male_Sexuality.asp?sitearea=MIT
Frequently Asked Questions. Treatment Topics and Resources. American Cancer Society. Accessed September 18, 2008.

gotquestions  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_7_2X_Frequently_Asked_Questions.asp

Chemotherapy Side Effects

What Side Effects Might I Have With Chemotherapy?

By Lynne Eldridge MD, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

What are common chemotherapy side effects? Chemotherapy medications work by interfering with cell division. Cancer cells are continuously dividing and are therefore most susceptible to these medications, but some normal cells that divide frequently (such as those lining the stomach and mouth, hair follicles, and bone marrow) are also affected.

Everyone experiences chemotherapy differently depending on the medications used and other factors, such as age, sex, and general health. You may have several of the below symptoms, or you may not experience any symptoms at all.

Be sure to let your cancer team know about any symptoms you are experiencing during chemotherapy, so they can work with you to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Management of chemotherapy side effects has come a long way over the last few decades, and many of these can be controlled with medications and other therapies.

Bone Marrow Suppression

Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are continuously produced in the bone marrow and often affected by chemotherapy. Your oncologist will monitor these cells with blood counts during your therapy.

• Coping With Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count)
• Coping With Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Count)
• Coping With Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)

Digestive Symptoms

Nausea is one of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy, but ways of managing this symptom have come a long way in recent years. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medications at the time of your treatment in an effort to prevent nausea from occuring altogether. Diarrhea can be a dangerous symptom, often prompting a change in the dose of chemotherapy or discontinuing treatment. Dehydration is also a concern if diarrhea is present. Loss of appetite may occur as a side effect of chemo, but may also be due to the cancer itself.

• Coping With Nausea and Vomiting
• Coping With Loss of Appetite

Hair Loss

Hair loss is usually more of a nuisance than a symptom, but it can be distressing nonetheless. According to research, hair loss is one the most feared side effects of chemotherapy. Some medications are more likely to cause hair loss than others, and hair loss can range from a little thinning to total baldness. It helps to be aware (and frequently comes as a surprise) that all hair can be affected, and it is not uncommon to lose eyebrow hair, facial hair, and even pubic hair. Hair loss usually begins a week or so after the start of chemotherapy and begins to grow back 6 to 8 weeks after completing therapy. Talking about options such as wigs and other head coverings before you loss your hair can ease some of the anxiety at this time.

• More About Chemotherapy Induced Hair Loss

Fatigue

Of all the chemotherapy side effects, fatigue is one of the most distressing. Unlike ordinary tiredness, chemotherapy-related fatigue is frequently described as tiredness that does not resolve with rest, “whole body” tiredness or a feeling in which even the most mundane activities require effort. Fatigue may begin shortly into treatment and can persist for up to a year following completion. The first step toward coping with cancer-related fatigue is to understand that it is normal and common.

• What is Cancer Fatigue?
• Tips for Coping With Fatigue During Chemotherapy

Oral Symptoms

Both mouth sores and taste changes can make eating difficult for some people during chemotherapy. Mouth sores often develop a week or so after beginning chemotherapy and resolve soon after treatment is finished.

• Coping With Mouth Sores
• Coping With Taste Changes

Peripheral Neuropathy

Some chemotherapy medications can cause symptoms of numbness, tingling or burning in the hands and feet. With lung cancer, this is most commonly seen with Platinol (cisplatin),Navelbine (vinorelbine), Taxotere (docetaxel) , and Taxol (paclitaxel). These symptoms may occur early on in treatment and go away, or they may occur weeks to months after treatment, and in some cases may be permanent. Clinical trials are in progress to find ways of preventing peripheral neuropathy related to chemotherapy.

• Coping with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Sources:

National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy and You: Support for People with Cancer. 06/29/07.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you

National Cancer Institute. NCI Bulletin. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. 02/23/10.http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/022310/page6

gotquestions  http://lungcancer.about.com/od/treatmentoflungcancer/a/chemosideeffect.htm