Sexual Wellness During & After Cancer FAQs

Some treatments lower estrogen or affect blood flow and tissue health. This can make the genital tissues thinner, drier, and more sensitive.

• Internal (vaginal) dryness may feel like tightness, irritation, or pain with penetration.
• External (vulvar) dryness may cause discomfort with touch or even daily activities.

• Lubricants are used during sexual activity to reduce friction.
• Moisturizers are used on a regular basis to help improve overall moisture and comfort over time.

• Water-based lubricants are a good place to start.
• Silicone-based lubricants last longer and may help with more severe dryness.
• Do not use silicone-based lubricants with silicone dilators or sex toys, as they can cause damage over time.
• You may need to try a few options to find what works best for you.

Avoid products labeled:

• “Warming”
• “Cooling”
• “Intensifying”

These can irritate sensitive tissues, especially after treatment.

Some people find vaginal suppositories work well to add moisture to the vagina and improve internal dryness. These are inserted into the vagina where the active ingredient (hyaluronic acid) helps to heal and moisturize the tissues.

• Some people use oils (e.g., coconut or olive oil) on external tissues.
• Avoid using oils internally, as they can disrupt the natural balance.
• Oils may stain fabrics and are not compatible with latex condoms.
• Silicone lubricants can damage silicone dilators or vibrators.

Start with comfort:

• Use a good-quality lubricant.
• Take things slowly.
• Focus on non-penetrative sexual activity first.
• Local estrogen is the most effective treatment for vaginal dryness. This is prescription-only medication, and you should talk to your oncologist or primary care provider about this.
• Consider pelvic floor physiotherapy if pain continues.

Many people start with moisturizers and lubricants for more immediate relief. Longer-term approaches, such as pelvic floor therapy and mindfulness, can also help address underlying causes. For many, dryness and pain do improve over time, especially with the right support and a combination of strategies, although it can take time.

Yes. This is very common and can be related to physical, emotional, and hormonal changes.

Painful sexual touch or activity often impacts negatively on libido.

For many people, desire does return — but it may feel different. It often grows through connection, touch, and feeling safe.

• Reducing pressure to “perform”.
• Focusing on closeness and non-sexual touch.
• Getting enough rest and managing stress.
• Talking openly with your partner.
• Recognizing that desire often accompanies arousal. This is called responsive desire as opposed to spontaneous desire.

There are some quick strategies that may help right away, such as lubricants, moisturizers, local estrogen, and exercise.

There are other strategies that take time but support long-term improvement. These include pelvic floor physiotherapy, mindfulness, and couples counselling.

Intimacy can include:

• Touch
• Holding or cuddling
• Emotional connection
• Spending time together

Sex does not have to mean intercourse.

Start small:

• Focus on comfort and connection
• Communicate openly
• Take pressure off performance

Yes. Many people feel this way during and after cancer treatment. Treatment can bring physical changes that affect sexuality, as well as emotional changes like depression, anxiety, and loss of confidence. It’s very common to feel disconnected from your body or unsure of your sexual self during this time. These feelings can shift with support, time, and self-compassion.

This depends on your type of cancer and treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

There are non-hormonal options available, including moisturizers, lubricants, and other supportive therapies.

This can depend on your treatment and how you’re feeling. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider.

In some cases, protection may be recommended — for example, to reduce risk of infection or exposure to chemotherapy. Check with your healthcare team.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain, dryness, or distress — or if something doesn’t feel right — it’s a good idea to ask for support.

You can start with:

• Your oncology team
• Family doctor or nurse practitioner
• A counsellor or therapist

They can guide you to the right support if needed.

Both of the following associations have a ‘find a provider’ function on their website.

• American Association of Sex Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT)
• The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)

Changes in sexual wellbeing after cancer are common. You are not alone — and there are ways to find support, comfort, connection, and wellbeing over time.