Hi Readers!
This week’s topic is testicular cancer. Specifically, how testicular cancer can affect your sexuality.
For all other information about testicular cancer, please visit the Orchid Cancer Appeal’s website. You will be able to download all the information you may want or need. If you or someone you know is affected by testicular cancer, call the Orchid Free National Helpline on 0808 802 0010 to speak to a specialist nurse. You can also email helpline@orchid-cancer.org.uk The helpline is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
A lot of the information in today’s article is from Orchid Cancer Appeal.
Individuals who are affected by testicular cancer often have questions about their sexuality post-treatment. Usually, removing a testicle will not affect the sexual performance of an individual or their ability to conceive children as the remaining testicle will produce enough testosterone and sperm to compensate, as long as it is healthy.
If both testicles need to be removed, testosterone replacement therapy will be needed. Testosterone replacement therapy is usually given in the form of injections or gels and should enable an individual with male anatomy to have sexual intercourse. Chemotherapy can cause temporary infertility that tends to persist for a (short) period of time after the treatment has finished. If you or a loved one is going through testicular cancer and its associated treatment, speak to the healthcare professional about options such as sperm storage or sperm banking.
This is a great option for individuals who know they want a family as well as for those who are unsure. You will feel more at ease knowing that this is still an option.
Sexuality
Low libido is also a side effect of cancer and cancer treatment but the good news is a stable libido will return once treatment is over. Remember that intimacy is an important part of a couple’s sexuality. You can read more about intimacy here. If this is something you would like to explore, please see the self-help or the couple’s intimacy workbooks here.
Talking about your concerns and fears of post-treatment sexuality with your partner can feel uncomfortable, scary, or timid. Communication within a couple is necessary. You cannot know what your partner is thinking if they do not tell you or you do not ask. Couples may find a new closeness after communicating. I invite you to read last week’s article about communication if you haven’t already done so, by clicking here.
“One common fear is that cancer cells can be passed on to a partner during sex. This is not true. Cancer is not infectious and it is perfectly safe to have sexual intercourse” – Orchid Cancer Appeal.
For more information please visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk and yourprivates.org.uk
Be kind to one another!
Julia, Sexologist
Julia, Sexologist 