Cancer in private parts

All you need to know about cancer in private parts:

Any type of cancer has a severe impact on the lives of patients, both physically and psychologically. The discipline of oncosexology has emerged in recent times with the idea of spreading the awareness of sexual issues in oncology care and emphasizes on the importance of approaching these issues to prevent the development of severe sexual dysfunctions or problems. Although the rate of sexual problems in cancer patients is reported to be around 35-50% worldwide, and despite the fact that both cancer care providers and patients recognize the weight of discussing sexual issues, it is unfortunate that neither group are observed to do so.
Impact of Cancer on sexual functioning: It is invariably true for all cancer treatment options that they can potentially affect sexuality in a negative way with their impact, ranging from comparatively clement to extremely enfeebling. The impact on sexuality may arise from a number of biological, psychological and relational consequences of cancer and more than often, a composition of Biopsychosocial factors are involved. While men suffer from erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculations and loss of sexual desire, in women, sexual dysfunction is commonly associated with abrupt failure of ovaries and related menopausal symptoms. Psychologically, the differences in dealing with emotions and feelings of disappointment can cause anxiety, which, in turn, can steer towards sexual distancing.
Steering towards sexual activity during/after treatment: Most patients remain oblivious to the very idea of oncosexology as a result of lack of awareness about possible treatments and its mode of addressal. Maintaining a healthy sexual relationship in such cases requires support and encouragement from healthcare professionals. Oncosexology, therefore, aims at a well rounded integration of sexual rehabilitation in the context of oncology care since sexuality is indeed extremely important in enhancing the quality of life.
Cancer patients can use the following tips for having a better sex life:

1. Sexual activity largely depends upon the energy and comfort level between the partners affected by the disease. Inhibitions are natural and sexual activity needn't involve intercourse or oral sex alone. Foreplay, mutual masturbation and usage of vibrators and lubricants may also ease the pain and discomfort.
2. Partners need to communicate openly about their feelings and what feels good and what doesn't in bed.
3. Using protection is a must. Chemotherapy may persist in the semen 48-72 hours prior to treatment.
4. Explore with different positions in order to find what's best for both you and your partner if the usual ones seem painful.
5. Speak to a sexologist or sex therapist beforehand in order to have a clear picture about the possible consequences of your treatment on your sexuality.
6. Coping with body image concerns may also pose to be another challenge. Exercising and eating well improves health and boosts self esteem.

Oncosexology: a multidisciplinary approach to deal with sexual health and intimacy in the oncology patient

As treatments for cancer improve, and patients live longer, cancer is today considered a chronic illness and sexual health is becoming an important aspect of well being in cancer survivors. One of our research projects proved that cancer had a strong negative effect on sexual health and intimacy. 44% of oncology patients describe a deterioration in their partner relationship and up to 80% showed a decrease in their sexual life. During oncological treatment 84% did not receive any counseling from the oncology staff regarding changes in their sexuality and their relationship.

In response to these results we opened a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for Oncosexology. This presentation will focus on our experiences during the past year from this new clinic. The staff of the outpatient clinic includes a oncology nurse, specialized in sexual counseling, a gynecologist specialized in sex therapy, a social worker specialized in sex and couple therapy and a urologist.

We have given workshops to a group of Testis and a group of Gastrointestinal cancer survivors. We put together a program that consists of Psychosexual support for the patient and partner, providing educational information, emotional support, specific counseling on sexual functioning, assistence to the couple to cope with the physical and anatomical changes, and rebuilding self esteem. We discuss with the couple their fears in resuming sexual activity during and after cancer treatment and we emphasize the importance of good communication between the partners.