Colorectal Cancer: Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy

Myth: Once a person has colon or rectal cancer, sex goes out the window.

Reality: Sexuality is a part of life. It doesn't disappear because of cancer or its treatment.  There may be a lack of interest for a while on your part, or on your partner's part -particularly during or immediately after treatment.  Lack of interest in sexuality is not permanent. 

 Myth: Older people are not interested in sex.

Reality: Sexuality is about how you define yourself as a man or woman, who you are attracted to, and whether you want a relationship. Sexuality doesn't go away.

On the other hand, the type of sex in which you are interested may change over time. For example, you may become more interested in cuddling or foreplay than having intercourse.  

Myth: Men enjoy sex more than women.

Reality: If sex is good, both men and women enjoy it.  

Myth: All physical contact must lead to intercourse

Reality: Cuddling and other physical activities can be satisfying. As noted in the summary, you can have satisfying intimacy without sex, much less intercourse.

Myth: Sex can harm the colon or surgical site and cause the cancer to come back.

Reality: There is no correlation between sex and cancer recurrence.

Myth: Sex is a failure if both people do not reach orgasm.

Reality:  Men and women can have wonderful sexual relationships without orgasm or penetration. 

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