Looking for sex and intimacy tips beyond the basics? Explore our new guide on all things
.*Currently best for people who’ve had prostate cancer surgery and their partners.
Sex after prostate cancer treatment
Common sexual changes to expect
For example, here’s a diagram
of how surgery can impact your sex life:
Tinana
Treatment can damage the nerves and blood supply needed for erections.
Hinengaro
Cancer and sexual challenges following treatment can make you feel down and anxious, changing your feelings about sex.
Relationships
Coping with cancer and sexual challenges with a partner, or your feelings about starting a new one.
With some prostate cancer treatments, tāne typically have issues with:
their penis not getting firm enough or staying firm for sexual activity
changes in orgasm or not being able to orgasm
leaking urine during sexual activity or when aroused
These changes do not occur after every treatment, so it’s important to talk to your doctor, care team or h
auora provider
about what you can expect. A sexual health counsellor or sex therapist can also be critical in guiding you towards satisfaction.
For more detailed information about changes after surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and hormone therapy,
choose a treatment below.
How might surgery affect my sex life?
How might radiation therapy (radiotherapy) affect my sex life
How might hormone therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer affect my sex life?
Coping with sexual changes
Many t
āne s
ay that after having prostate cancer and treatment, they initially struggled with sexual changes. And after working through these changes, although their sex life is different, they now feel satisfied with their ‘new’ sex life.
Here’s what some tāne have said about their new take on sex and intimacy:
“For months I thought my sex life was over and I would never orgasm again. I was playing around in the shower, and lo and behold, ACTION! It was an incredible feeling."
“So far I have not been able to get my penis as hard as I want. I do feel angry at times and miss my old sex life. I’ve had to try new things, it’s a struggle."
These are just a few thoughts tāne have had while working to improve their sex life after treatment. It may not be easy at first, but have patience, share your feelings openly and regularly with your partner, and keep trying.
Remember, treatment doesn’t just affect one part of you. You’ll have to look across all 3 areas — your tinana, hinengaro, and relationships — to improve your sexual wellbeing. It will take some work, but you don’t have to face any of these challenges alone. Your doctor, care team and hauora provider are here to support and encourage you.
