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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Pelvic radiotherapy can affect your sexuality and sex life.
You may also have effects from other treatments, such as surgery|, chemotherapy| or hormonal therapy|. It may be helpful to read information about how these other treatments can affect your sex life - if you've had a combination of treatments, you may be more likely to have effects on your sex life than if you only had pelvic radiotherapy.
Our section on sexuality| discusses ways of dealing with the physical and emotional changes that cancer treatments can cause.
if you have a partner, you may find it helpful to talk to them about the changes you've noticed in how your body responds sexually. It's good to look at ways of overcoming any problems as a couple. You can talk to sexual therapists or counsellors in detail about the effects these changes or difficulties are having on you and your partner. They can be contacted through:
Many men find that their interest in sex reduces, or may disappear completely, both during and after cancer treatment. There are many reasons for this including:
Interest in sex may also be reduced by treatments which lower the levels of the male hormone, testosterone, in the body. An example is if you are taking drugs such as hormonal therapies for prostate cancer.
Testosterone replacement therapy can increase sex drive, particularly if blood tests show that you have low testosterone levels. Your doctor can tell you whether testosterone replacement therapy may be helpful for you. However, testosterone cannot be used in men who are having hormonal therapy to block their normal testosterone production as part of their cancer treatment.
Some men have problems getting or maintaining an erection. This is due to the effects of radiotherapy on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvic area. The risk of erection problems depends on the dose of the radiotherapy and the exact area being treated. It is common after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Between a third and a half of men (30–50%) will have long-term problems with erections after pelvic radiotherapy. It's more likely if you are also taking hormonal treatments for cancer or have had other cancer treatments such as surgery to the pelvic area or chemotherapy.
Some treatments can help you to get and maintain an erection. These include:
There is some evidence that starting tablets, such as Viagra, sooner rather than later is more likely to improve your ability to get and maintain an erection. Your doctor or nurse should be able to advise you on the different methods and can refer you to a specialist if necessary. You can get leaflets about all the medicines and pumps from the Sexual Dysfunction Association|.
After pelvic radiotherapy the amount of semen your body produces is reduced. When you ejaculate you may notice that only a small amount of fluid is produced. For some men, no semen is produced at all. This is known as a dry ejaculation.
Although you will still be able to have an orgasm (climax), some men find that the sensation feels different from before.
The sensation may feel less intense and for some men it may take longer to reach orgasm. This is thought to be due to changes in the blood flow and nerves in the pelvic and genital area which may occur after pelvic surgery or radiotherapy. It may also be due to changes in how you feel your body works and feels sexually.
If you have any changes that make you feel worried or upset it can help to speak to someone such as a sexual counsellor. They can help you explore things that may help improve the situation.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.