Colorectal Cancer: Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy

Tips for having sex if you are experiencing pain include the following:

• Plan for when pain is less intense and you are at your best.
• Take a pain medication one hour prior to intercourse.
• Position yourself in a way that is most comfortable. In particular, avoid applying pressure to the painful area.
• Use lubricants and vaginal dilators when indicated to help stretch the vagina and rehabilitate the muscle so it is not as painful.
• Practice deep breathing. 
  • Deep breathing involves taking a breath down to your belly, and then out again, while breathing slowly. 
  • Deep breathing 25 minutes a day is therapeutically about the same as 2 hours of sleep. 
  • Deep breathing gets oxygen into the blood and makes you feel more refreshed. 
  • Also try relaxation techniques.
  • To learn about deep breathing, click here. For information about coping with stress which includes relaxation techniques, click here.
• Help each other get aroused. Encourage foreplay and/or massage either prior to intercourse or instead of intercourse. 
• Speak with your disease specialist or primary care doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Women can also speak with their gynecologist.

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