The first question many people ask when beginning their cancer treatment is, “can I still have sex with my partner during this treatment?” The answer, unless you have a physical limitation, should always be YES! Most all specialists advise their patients to find intimacy and try to have the most “regular” routines now, just as they did before cancer entered the chat.
The unmentioned question that many individuals do not even think about is the risk for exposure after their chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
What exposure? What does that mean?
In this case, “exposure” refers to the introduction of particles or cells that have been altered by cancer treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, or other heavy medications. For at least three days after your chemotherapy treatment- and up to months after, you will excrete the chemicals in various ways through your body. These chemicals can affect your sex cells, or reproductive parts, causing DNA and cell damage- which could result in an unplanned pregnancy with possible severe issues to the fetus. The same can be said for radiation therapy, in that, your body will be radioactive for a time after each of your treatments. These same treatment particles can be troublesome for a sensitive partner, as well. In some cases, people have reactions to chemotherapy particles touching their skin or being introduced inside of their body (CDC).
The duration and length of time you will need to practice safe sex and take caution depends on your cancer type, treatment plan, and locations of the cancer. Your oncologist or medical care team can give you a better idea on how long you may need to practice this extra safety.
What needs to happen to keep everyone safe?
It’s really easy! Just wear a condom or use another style of protection! Empowering Intimacy offers up recommendations for the best condoms on the market! Depending on your needs, you could check out the Sustain line on Amazon. This line is all natural and offers the Thin, Comfort Fit, and Tailored fit varieties. Glyde condoms are also highly sought out for their durability and feel. If you need latex free condoms, try Skyn– the best non-latex condom brand around.
Once you have armed yourself with protection for safe sex, remember these tips for safe and healthy intimate and sexual activity.
- Be sure to use a reliable form of birth control to prevent pregnancy; even if you think your periods have stopped or your fertility has been affected by cancer or other illness.
- Chemotherapy has been proven to be excreted in vaginal secretions and seminal fluid for 48-72 hours, sometimes longer, after a treatment. Other studies have shown in to be excreted for weeks or months after treatment. You should use a condom or dental dam for oral sex or intercourse during this period to prevent your partner from being exposed to the chemotherapy. This includes all forms of chemotherapy.
- Think outside the box about sexual activity. It does not have to involve intercourse or oral sex. Use kissing, touching, caressing to satisfy each other.
- Keep communicating. Talk about what feels good and what does not and speak up when you are simply too drained and too tired to try.
- Cancer surgery or other body surgeries may result in certain new body pains. Try different positions to find what is best for you and your partner.
- Talk with your medical care team about changes in your body image and sexual health.
- For people with an ostomy, using an ostomy cover or camisole as camouflage can help with concerns about others noticing the bag. Many resources are available through a simple online search for ostomy covers (NIH).
Practicing safe sex during and after your cancer treatment is vital to ensure you, your partner, any your body are kept safe. Adding in a condom or dental dam to prevent the transfer of bodily fluids can be made into a part of your intimate or sexual routine. Plus, wearing a condom or dental dam during oral sex often offers new sensations and feelings which could be beneficial for your pleasure needs, as well!
Citations:
National Institutes of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention