Medical problems and sexuality Cancer

1. The diagnosis of cancer has a profound effect
upon the woman, her partner and her family.
Loss, fear, anxiety, anger, and depression are
common responses to the diagnosis. Loss may be
related to expectations of fertility, of experiences
as becoming less whole, less feminine, and more
vulnerable to the exigencies of life. Fears
associated with the treatment, pain, loss of
control, change in perceived desirability, and
death are frequent responses. Those cancers that
affect sexual organs are traumatic for the patient
and her partner. Since cancer provokes crises in a
woman’s life, exploring the nature and quality of
significant relationships is essential.
2. Partners of cancer patients also experience
reactions to the illness that may include fear
of loss and hurting the patient, irrational fears of
contamination or contracting the disease, or a
decreased sense of her desirability.
Communication between partners is crucial.The physician can facilitate communication,
provide information about the treatment and
outcomes, and explore the patient’s understanding
of what cancer means to them.
3. Pain, or the anticipation of experiencing pain,
may have a negative effect on the woman’s interest
in sexual intimacy. Premature resumption of
sexual activity before the woman is ready
physically, psychologically, and emotionally may
occur in order to relieve anxiety about her
partner’s perceived sexual needs and a need to
affirm her desirability as a woman.

Posted in: Health,Sexuality,Sexuality through the life-cycle