Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

Effects on sex life and fertilityEffects on sex lifeand fertilityHaving chemotherapy can affect your sex life, although noteveryone finds this. Side effects like tiredness, feeling sick orweak can reduce your sex drive and make having sex difficult.Chemotherapy shouldn’t have a long-term effect on yoursex life. The side effects will usually gradually wear off whenyour treatment is finished.Feeling low or anxious can also affect your sex life. The anxietymay not be about sex. You might have worries about thecancer, how your family is coping or about money.We have a booklet called Sexuality and cancer,which has more information.Usually there’s no medical reason to stop having sex duringchemotherapy. But if you have low platelets, or a low whiteblood cell count, you may be advised to avoid penetrativesex until your blood count improves.It’s not easy to talk about sex, but it can help to talk throughany concerns about your sex life with your doctor or specialistnurse. They can often reassure you and support you withany problems.It’s also important to talk about how you feel with your partner.Cuddling, touching and stroking are good ways of showingyour feelings even if you don’t feel like having sex.69