When you first hear these words, maybe the only thing that resonates in one's mind is sex, (the behaviour), and an intimate relationship. However, sexuality and intimacy are much more than just the act of sexual intercourse with another.

Sexuality and intimacy begin with you. They are both enhanced by knowing who you are, how you experience pleasure, and knowing your body and its needs better. Sex is the act and sexuality is the way you express yourself, truly who you are. You are a sexual being. You may express your sexuality by the way you groom yourself, what you wear, or how you walk.

Similarly, intimacy is not only about being in a close relationship with someone specific. You can be intimate with anyone. It is defined as emotional and physical closeness with someone or yourself. It is about showing love and being loved. It is about experiencing the value of the other person in your life or about your own. Imagine holding an infant. For many, that's an intimate, precious experience.

Furthermore, intimacy isn't only expressed sexually. It can be express in the way you talk, listen, or the way you physically gesture.

Cancer And Sexuality

Cancer has an immediate effect on your sexuality and intimacy. It can affect you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Due to cancer treatment, your will to have sex may decline due to lack of energy, physical ability, and other reasons as well.

Cancer treatment also makes your feel mentally confused, feel ashamed of your body, or lose control over your emotions. However, if you have a partner, how do you deal with such circumstances?

Is it okay to have sex while undergoing cancer treatment? If you have such questions and don't feel comfortable speaking with your doctor, you can seek advice from sex therapists or sexual empowerment coaches.

Most cancer-specialized hospitals have psycho-oncology clinics. These clinics are staffed by psychologist and specialists that help cancer patients with their psychological wellbeing. This also includes talking about sexuality and intimacy openly. You, along with your partner, can seek help.

Similarly, sex therapists or sexual counselors specialize in human sexuality. Seeking their help is another way to clear your mind of worries. They help by providing the right solutions and strategies to deal with sexual issues.

When You Don't Have A Partner Yet

If you don't have a partner and are worried about your sexuality, you can still seek help individually. Sexual issues may exist, without a partner, and that's often a good place to begin, with yourself.

Your worries may include finding a partner after cancer treatment. How should you tell your prospective partner about your cancer and subsequent effects of treatment? You can seek help and talk to a sex therapist to build confidence about speaking about cancer, sex, and how your body has been impacted so you can do so confidently in future relationships.

Sex After Cancer Treatment

How soon someone can start having sexual intercourse after cancer treatment depends largely on the severity and type of cancer.



It is usually recommended by medical professionals to wait before engaging in sexual activity. This is purely for medical reasons, such as to provide sufficient time for surgery to heal (if any). However, physical contact is important and enhances intimacy, so this should not be put off.

Sex doesn't make cancer worse. It can even further recovery if you enjoy it thoroughly without stressing your body.

It does take time for your body to recover after cancer treatment. However, once you feel well enough, you can engage sexually with yourself or another; just realize that it may be different from how it was before and that's okay. Be gentle with yourself.








Tara Galeano, founder of Rediscovering My Body and Boulder Sex Therapy, Sexuality And Intimacy is an Author, Speaker, Retreat Host, and Sexual Empowerment coach who has worked with women for over two decades to get their sexy back.