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Colorectal Cancer: Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy

How Targeted Therapies For Colorectal Cancer May Affect Sex And Sexuality

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Targeted therapies are procedures that go after a part of cancer cells that make them different from normal cells.

As a general matter, you can have sex during treatment with targeted therapies. 

  • Hhowever, sex during treatment is not recommended if:
    • Your immune system is low including your white blood cells (“immunosuppressed”) 
    • You have very low red  blood cell counts ("anemia")
    • You are in the first weeks of recovery after surgery
  • Check with your doctor or his/her nurse before having sex.
  • Safer sex techniques will prevent pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. To learn more, see: Safer Sex: Level Of Risk Of Transmission of HIV and Other STDs . 

Side effects of targeted therapies which can affect sex and sexuality

Depending on the drug used, the following are potential side effects of targeted therapies.

  • An allergic reaction during the first infusion which can cause problems with breathing and low blood pressure.
  • Acne-like rash.
  • Dry skin. (To learn about dealing with dry skin, click here)
  • Fatigue. (To learn about dealing with fatigue, click here
  • Fever
  • Constipation or diarrhea  
    • For information about dealing with diarrhea, click here)
    • For information about dealing with constipation, click here)
  • Bleeding
  • Holes forming in the colon
  • Slow wound healing
  • Blood reactions such as high blood pressure, blood clots, low white blood cell counts
  • Headaches
  • Mouth sores or dry mouth
    • To learn about preventing and dealing with mouth dryness, click here
    • To learn about mouth sores, click here.
  • Loss of appetite (For information about coping with loss of appetite, click here 

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