Sex may be pervasive in our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends.
To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running a weekly sex column titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. Through this column, we hope to start a conversation about sex and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, we provide some tips for dealing with sexual problems after experiencing cancer treatment.
If you’re dealing with cancer, you’re likely experiencing many changes in your body, including changes in your sexual health. These changes can be difficult to cope with, both physically and emotionally.
Types of Sexual Problems You May Experience After Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can have a profound effect on your sexuality. You may find that you have little or no interest in sex, or that you are unable to get or maintain an erection. People who have been treated for cancer may experience a variety of sexual problems. These may include erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, difficulty with orgasm, and changes in your menstrual cycle.
Sexual issues can be a major source of stress for cancer survivors and their partners. They can also create tension and conflict in the relationship. It is important to remember that you are not the only one dealing with these problems. There are many resources available to help you resolve these issues. If you are facing sexual problems after cancer treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, oncologist, or other health care professionals. They can provide guidance and advice on how to manage these issues. They may also recommend meeting with a specialist, such as a sex therapist or counselor.
Dealing with body image, anxiety and depression related to sexuality
It’s normal to feel self-conscious about your body after cancer treatment. You may feel as though you have lost some of your femininity or masculinity. You may feel anxious or depressed about your sexuality. These are all normal reactions, and you are not alone. There are steps you can take to deal with these issues.
- First, talk to your partner about how you’re feeling. Dealing with these feelings on your own can be difficult. Lean on your partner for support.
- Second, find a support group or counselor who can help you deal with these feelings. Again, it’s difficult to deal with these issues on your own. It can be helpful to talk to other people who have been through similar experiences.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse for help. They may be able to suggest treatments or therapies that can help you regain your confidence and sexuality.
Tips for rebuilding physical and emotional intimacy with your partner
Taking time to rebuild physical and emotional intimacy with your partner can be a natural and necessary part of recovery after cancer treatment. Since your sexual relationship may have changed because of the treatments, it is important to adjust with communication, touch, and even establishing a private space for yourself and your partner. Here are some suggestions on how to do this:
- Talk openly and honestly with each other about your feelings.
- Spend time engaging in non-sexual activities together (i.e., going for a walk, watching a movie) to rebuild emotional intimacy.
- Start by touching without expectations — this can be anything from holding hands or lightly brushing their hand.
- Set aside some alone time for the two of you where you can try different forms of physical contact at your own pace – it can be anything from massage, cuddling or cuddling.
- Remember that it’s normal to feel frustrated or anxious when trying something new – be open and honest if things don’t go according to plan or feel awkward.
finding new strategies or products that may help with sexual problems
If you’re still struggling with your sexual problems, there are a few other things you can try. You may explore new strategies or products that may help with your sexual problems. This can include things like lubricants, vibrators, clitoral stimulators, sex toys, different types of contraceptives, and even hormone-therapy treatments.
It’s important to do your research and find what works best for you. It may also help to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation which may help reduce anxiety surrounding the problem. Open communication with your partner about this issue is also important as it helps build trust and understanding between the two of you.
establishing open communication with your partner
If you’re dealing with sexual problems after experiencing cancer treatment, it’s important to establish open communication with your partner. You should be honest and vulnerable when starting a conversation so that they can understand what you are going through. This will help them understand why things are different and show that you still want intimacy or closeness.
Try to plan the conversation in advance so that both of you have time to process any feelings or thoughts that come up. It can be helpful to write out what you want to say in advance so it’s not as intimidating when the time comes. Also note that it’s okay if the conversation doesn’t always go naturally the first time. Taking it slow may also be a better approach for some couples because it can give the two of you more space to talk about the changes and explore each other’s feelings.
conclusion
Everyone’s experience is unique, so it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience. Talking about your challenges can help you find the best way to move forward and heal.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in experiencing these sexual difficulties and that there are many others out there who are more than happy to offer support. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and advice, whether it’s to your partner, friends, family, or a professional. With a little patience and effort, you will be able to overcome these difficulties and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life once again.
Professor (Dr) Saransh Jain is a winner of the Swasth Bharat Ratna Award and is a certified and licensed sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. He is currently Senior Consultant at Dr SK Jain’s Burlington Clinic in Lucknow. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent the stand of this publication.
read all Latest Lifestyle News Here