Relationships and Sexual Health

Intimacy and Sexual Health

Breast cancer and its treatments can change your sex life and how you feel about intimacy. These changes are common and can affect people in different ways.

Physical and Emotional Changes

You might experience pain, vaginal dryness, or discomfort during sex, especially if you have gone through early menopause or are taking hormonal therapies. Some treatments, like chemotherapy or tamoxifen, can lower your sex drive. Other side effects like nausea, fatigue, or body pain can also make sex less appealing or enjoyable.

Emotionally, it is common to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis. These feelings, along with changes to your body, can affect your mood and self-esteem. Some people feel differently about their bodies after surgery, weight changes, or hair loss, and this can impact how comfortable they feel being close to someone.

Loss of Desire (Libido)

If you have lost interest in sex, know that it is a common experience. Breast cancer treatments, emotional stress, pain medications, and hormonal therapies can all lower your libido. You might also just be too exhausted, mentally or physically, to think about sex.

You do not need to wait to have sex again to start addressing these symptoms. There are safe treatments, including vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and physical therapy like pelvic floor exercises, that can help you feel more comfortable now.

Lose-dose vaginal estrogen may be another safe option to treat vaginal dryness. Your doctor can help you understand whether it is needed based on your symptoms, cancer type and treatment.

Body Image and Confidence

Changes in your appearance, such as scars, breast loss, or hair loss, can impact your confidence. You may feel self-conscious or less attractive. Programs like Look Good Feel Better offer free workshops to help you feel more comfortable with your appearance, which may also help you feel more open to intimacy.

Dating or Talking to Your Partner

Some couples find it easy to talk about intimacy, while others may struggle. Open conversations about needs and feelings can help you both feel more connected. Intimacy does not always mean sex. Cuddling, touch, and conversation can also strengthen your connection. It is okay to redefine intimacy in a way that feels right for you.

If you are dating or starting a new relationship, it is normal to feel unsure about when or how to talk about your breast cancer. You are in control of how much you share and when.

Starting the Conversation with Your Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team might not bring up sex, but it is an important topic. If you are experiencing physical discomfort, low libido, or emotional struggles, your doctor can offer guidance or connect you with specialists like pelvic health physiotherapists, gynecologists who specialize in sexual health, or counsellors.

If you identify as LGBTQ+, sharing your identity and any relevant medical history helps your team offer the best care for you. Everyone deserves to feel respected and supported.

Learn More

• Tough Topics in Cancer: Sexual Health & Intimacy Webinar
• Redefining Beauty and Appearance after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:

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