Sexual health is an important part of overall health for AYA and can be significantly impacted by cancer and its treatment. Sexual health impacts physical and emotional well-being and includes intimacy, relationships, body image, self-esteem, sexual drive or libido, and hormonal changes which can all be impacted by cancer.
Sexual health problems can occur as a result of physical and psychological side effects during and after cancer therapy. Some surgeries and treatments might have minimal effect on a person's sexuality, sexual desire, and sexual function. Others can affect how a certain body part works, change hormone levels, or damage nerve function that can cause changes in a person's sexual function. Some treatments have bothersome side effects like fatigue, nausea, bowel or bladder problems, pain, and changes in appearance that might cause problems with sexuality. Some sexual problems get better or go away over time, but some are long-lasting and can be lifelong.
Talk to your doctor about your sexual health concerns. You may also reach out to our AYA Social Worker for local resources on sexual health, at 210-274-6395.
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