Sex and Intimacy After Cancer
Specialist support for intimacy, sexuality and relationships after cancer
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on intimacy, sexuality, relationships and the way people experience their bodies.
Specialist experience
Psychosexual support within and beyond cancer care
I am a Relationship and Psychosexual Therapist currently working within The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and I also offer psychosexual and relationship therapy in private practice for individuals and couples affected by cancer and its impact on intimacy and relationships.
Treatments such as radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and hormone suppression treatments can directly affect sexual response. Changes in desire, arousal, erections, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, menopause symptoms or inability to have intercourse altogether are often organic consequences of treatment.
Without clear information about what to expect and how to manage these changes, the experience can feel frightening, confusing and isolating.
After the shock of diagnosis and the focus on survival, many people find themselves unsure how to return to intimacy and sex again.
For couples, relationships can shift into patient-and-carer roles, emotional closeness may change, and sexual desire can disappear completely. Some people are adjusting to changes in their bodies after surgery, including loss of reproductive organs or changes following breast, prostate or gynaecological cancer treatment.
For individuals, there may be anxiety about dating, body confidence, when or whether to disclose cancer history to a potential partner, or fears about rejection and intimacy.
A safe pace
When treatment affects safety, touch and trust
Cancer treatment can also reactivate earlier trauma. Some people who have survived sexual abuse or traumatic medical experiences may begin experiencing flashbacks, dissociation, panic or symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress during gynaecological examinations, radiotherapy, intimate touch or attempts to resume sexual intimacy.
These responses can feel overwhelming and difficult to understand without support. Therapy offers a confidential and compassionate space to talk openly about these experiences and to work together towards rebuilding safety, confidence, intimacy, communication and connection at a pace that feels manageable and safe.
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Support for intimacy, desire, arousal, pain, anxiety and sexual confidence.
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