It is not a secret to anyone that the cancer and its treatments can affect our sexual health, whether we are men and women. These changes can affect people physically and emotionally, decreasing the interest in sexual activity, as well as the confidence in yourself.
For older adults who face this experience, the challenges related to sexuality can be especially complex.
In this note, we explore how the cancer affects the sexuality in adulthood, providing guidance and resources that can be used to handle these issues in an open and understanding.
How cancer treatments affect sexual health?
Did you know that various cancer treatments affect sexual health? Among them are:
- Surgery.
- chemotherapy.
- the hormonal therapies.
- the radiation can negatively affect the sexual health the impact on the general well being of the patient or modify the operation or appearance of the organism.
Cancer treatment can cause physical and emotional changes, including changes in your sexual life. To this kind of change, doctors call it “sexual side effects”. These include a change in their interest in sex and in their ability to participate in sexual activity.
In addition, according to Dr. Heather R. Macdonald, the Centre of Health Hoag and the University of Southern California, Irvine, “among the problems of sexual health more frequently reported by patients with cancer are loss of sexual desire, dryness, and pain vaginal, the difficulty with arousal and orgasm, and the difficulty of accepting the changes, the patient's body and her partner”.
Tips, tips and recommendations:
1. Recognizing changes in sexuality:
The treatment of cancer and the disease itself can cause physical and emotional changes that impact sexuality. It is essential to understand these changes, such as loss of libido or erectile dysfunction, are common and can be managed with appropriate support.
2. Encouraging communication in the couple:
Open and honest communication with your partner is crucial to maintaining a fulfilling sex life during and after treatment. We encourage older adults to express their concerns and needs in the bed to strengthen the emotional connection and promote intimacy.
3. Exploring new forms of intimacy:
Cancer and its treatment may require adjustments in sexual practices common. It is important for couples to explore other forms of intimacy, such as physical contact and emotional communication, to keep the spark in the relationship.
4. Overcoming stigma and shame:
Talking about sexuality can be a taboo for many older adults. It is vital to challenge the taboos and create an environment of acceptance and openness where they feel comfortable discussing their concerns sex.
5. By accessing professional resources, and specific:
Some older adults may find it helpful to seek the support of professionals for sexual health, such as sex therapists, to address the challenges related to the cancer. As well as specific support groups for older people, as Morivivi that we are a support group that accompanies people in various situations that may cause the cancer.
6. Prioritizing self-care and emotional well-being:
Self-care and emotional well-being are fundamental to a healthy sex life. Foster practices such as regular exercise and stress management to improve the sexual health as the emotional.
In summary, the cancer can present unique challenges to sexuality in adulthood, but with openness, understanding, and access to adequate resources, it is possible to address them and keep your sex life full and meaningful.
Nathaly Bosch
Social communicator and Collaborator for Group Morivivi.
