You may have felt less interested in sex throughout your cancer treatment. Some treatments can cause side effects that make having sex difficult. This is not the case for every person receiving cancer treatment, a large proportion of people do not have their sex life impacted through treatment.

Sex itself can also be different after a cancer diagnosis, you may feel less interested in sex after cancer treatment. Some treatments can cause side effects that make having sex difficult. Or you may feel conscious about your body in some way that affects your confidence with having sex.

Losing interest in sex can be a side effect of radiotherapy and certain drugs too. Often once your treatment is over you’ll probably start to feel like having sex again. But if you’re still not as interested in sex a while after you’ve finished treatment, it can be helpful to talk to a psychologist or counsellor.

If your treatment has had an impact on your hormones you might be referred to an endocrinologist, they specialise in glands and hormones and can offer advice. You might be feeling pretty unsexy but that doesn’t mean if you are in a relationship, that your partner has stopped finding you attractive. And remember there’s plenty you can do to enjoy each other’s company without having sex. 

If your self esteem is the thing holding you back, you can read tips on managing this below:

Body image and cancer treatment - Young Lives vs Cancer

For further information on vaginal changes, sexual wellbeing and cancer, please follow the below link:

Vaginal changes and sexual well-being with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

Or for more advice you could discuss your concerns with your GP who could refer you to a local psychosexual service, who can explore issues like loss of libido, pain during sex, or erectile dysfunction