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 radiation therapy for prostate cancer
After , you should expect some changes in your sex life. These changes can affect your body, mind and relationships. It can affect all of these areas as sexuality is not only physical, it includes your thoughts and feelings as well.Take a look at the Body, Mind and Relationships diagram below
for a deeper understanding.
Relationship
Coping with cancer and sexual challenges with a partner, or your feelings about starting a new one.
Body
Treatment can damage the nerves and blood supply needed for erections.
Mind
Cancer and sexual challenges following treatment can make you feel down and anxious, changing your feelings about sex.
Click on the list below to see
the most common changes
following radiation therapy.
Penis not getting as hard (erectile dysfunction)
Radiotherapy affects the nerves and blood supply around your penis. This creates an issue, as your penis needs a healthy blood flow to get an erection. Without an adequate blood supply, your penis will not become as hard as it did before radiotherapy.
Although you may feel aroused, these messages from your body aren't able to make blood flow to the penis.
How soon after radiotherapy will I notice this?
You may experience a decline in the firmness of your erection – this can happen anywhere from weeks to months to years after treatment. As you recover, check in with your doctor about how your erections have been. That way, you'll get proper guidance on getting your sex life to a good place.
Can I still have pleasurable sex?
Even though your erection may be less firm, you'll still have a desire and can get pleasure from sex. There are many steps you can take to get back to satisfactory sex life. If you're comfortable, you can:
- (you may need a prescription for these)
Experiment with different positions with a partner
Adapt your routine and expand your role in the bedroom
Remember, you can still have great sex and can get plenty of pleasure without a firm erection.
Sam, 68 years
Changes to your orgasm
Orgasms may feel different, but they can still be pleasurable. They can be either more intense or less intense — but still ultimately satisfying.
Orgasms and erections
Because of how the nerves have been affected by radiation therapy, many men have trouble with erections. Without an erection, it might take longer to climax, but orgasms can still feel amazing.
You might also have some pain when you reach orgasm. This should go away with time.
Iain, 48 years
Changes to your semen
Radiation therapy can sometimes bring on some changes to your semen, but it's usually nothing to worry about.
You might notice:
blood in your semen (will usually go away after about a month)
you produce less semen than before
Reggie, 80 years
Changes to your sex drive (libido)
Sometimes hormone treatments (either injections or pills) are given in combination with the radiation or after you’ve had radiation. These treatments can zap your sex drive – you just don’t feel horny anymore
How long will I feel this way?
The hormone treatments are usually given for a few months but sometimes they are given for several years depending on how aggressive your cancer is. If you’re getting hormone shots, your body will take a while to recover, and some men (usually older men) won’t return to normal. Speak to your doctor about how long the hormones will be prescribed, what the average recovery is and whether hormone replacement is appropriate for you.
Can I still have pleasurable sex?
Even though your erection may be less firm or you don’t feel like having sex, you can still have a satisfactory sex life or be intimate with your partner.
Generally men with low sex drive won’t be able to get a natural erection even with the use of tablets. You can:
try medications that you can inject straight into the penis to get a firm erection – just speak with your doctor
try other forms of intimacy that don’t require an erection (cuddling, massages, oral sex)
Remember, you can still have great sex and can get plenty of pleasure without a firm erection
Bowel issues during sex
Bowel issues after radiation therapy can include diarrhea, bloody stools, extra-sensitive anal tissue and more. And when it comes to sex, these issues can be embarrassing to talk about at the moment. It can be hard to feel comfortable having sex or even just think about it.
Don't be afraid to speak to your care team about the issues you're experiencing. They can give you helpful advice on things to try. It might take a little time, but you can work back up to feeling good and in control of your sex life.
Anal sex after radiation therapy can be especially painful, because the skin inside your anus (the hole where you poop) may be sensitive. It may help to let things settle 3 to 4 weeks after treatment before having anal sex again. Too much irritation can cause permanent damage to your anal canal, which you need to avoid. You should also stay away from products that numb the anal area — as this can equal more unnecessary damage. Talk to your doctor or care team about how to best work through things while you heal.
Fortunately, bowel issues after radiation therapy are often temporary and there are things you can do to help.
Before sex
several hours before sex, avoid eating foods that cause you bowel issues
empty your bowels just before having sex
maintain good personal hygiene to help boost your confidence
light scented candles if you're concerned about smells
During sex
have tissues and towels nearby
use an anal plug (available to purchase online)
Liam, 68 years
Remember, you probably won't have to deal with bowel issues for too long. Talk to your partner about how you feel and other ways you can stay close and connected. Your care team can give you advice and help find a treatment plan that works for you. Your doctor can also refer you to a sex therapist or sexual health counsellor who can provide some helpful guidance.
Coping with sexual changes
Many individuals say 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.
