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Colorectal Cancer: Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy

How Radiation For Colorectal Cancer May Affect Sex And Sexuality

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You can have sex during treatment. 

  • Sex during treatment is not recommended if:
    • Your immune system is low (“immunosuppressed”) including your white blood cells
    • You have very low red  blood cell countsor anemia
    • You are in the first weeks of recovery after surgery
  • It is not advisable for a woman to become pregnant during radiation treatment. Pre-menopausal womenshould use safer sex techniques to prevent pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. To learn more, see:    Sexual Activities: Level Of Risk Of Transmission of HIV and Other STDs .  (A 1387)
  • Having sex or being intimate does not expose a partner to radiation.
  • Check with your doctor or his/her nurse before having sex to make sure there are no problems

Possible side effects of radiation which can affect sex and sexuality:

  • Skin irritation which can vary from mild to severe, and may be internal and/or external. Even cuddling may be uncomfortable.
  • Bladder irritation (which may be a permanent side effect). 
    • Bladder irritation can lead to bleeding, diarrhea and frequent urination. Your doctor may have suggestions about reducing these symptoms if they occur. 
    • For information about dealing with diarrhea, click here)
  • Fatigue. 
    • While fatigue from radiation is not generally as great as fatigue from chemotherapy, it can last longer. 
    • For information about dealing with fatigue, click here)
  • Women with pelvic radiation may experience vaginal dryness and/orr narrowing (“stenosis”) which causes tightness. Penetrative sex by either a penis or an object may be uncomfortable or may cause pain.
  • Inability or difficulty in achieving an erection (For information about dealing with erectile dysfunction, click here)
  • Diminished orgasms, and/or vaginal irritation in women.
  • Being on an emotional roller coaster, with the possibility of getting stuck in depression. For information about dealing with emotional issues, click here.
  • The ability to have children. The risks are higher if the radiation is in the pelvis or surrounding areas. (For options to consider, click here 
  • Poor body image (For information about identifying and dealing with poor body image, click here.

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