Sex, Intimacy Concerns and Cancer Treatment

It is very common for cancer treatments to cause side effects that impact you physically and emotionally, all of which can lessen your sex drive and your ability to have sex. You may benefit from the Duke Sexual Health and Intimacy Program if you experience:

• Decreased sexual desire and interest
• Pain or discomfort with sexual activity
• Hormonal changes
• Changes in pleasure or sexual satisfaction
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in ejaculation or orgasm
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• Reduced sensation
• Issues communicating about sexual changes and challenges with relationships
• Changes in body image
• Confusion about how to use medical treatments for sexual function

Our team tailors your care to your needs. We provide care to all genders, orientations, and relationship structures.

Medical Care

Our medical providers evaluate how cancer treatments and medications may affect your sexual health. They recommend treatments such as hormone therapy, vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, treatments for erectile changes, and other medications.

Physical Therapy

Our specialized physical therapists address physical factors that affect sexual health. We may work with you on pelvic floor therapy, therapeutic exercise, manual techniques, and relaxation strategies.

Counseling and Therapy

Our counseling team includes medical family therapists and clinical psychologists with expertise in sex therapy. They support patients and partners in navigating emotional, relational, and intimacy related changes and collaborate closely with medical and physical therapy providers.