Your Sexual Health

This page was last updated on November 11, 2022.  

Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your relationships, body image and intimacy.  It may change the way you feel about sex. It is also common to have fears and worries that may affect your relationships with others. This can cause changes in your stress level and emotions.

What you can do to help:

• Talk to a member of your healthcare team about your fears and worries.
• Talk to your family and friends about your fears and worries.

• Ask a member of your healthcare team about community programs that can help support you such as Hearth Place, Canadian Cancer Society, and the Look Good Feel Better Program. 
• Keep a daily journal throughout your treatment. 

For more information

Click here to print a copy of a handout with the information found below. 

Canadian Breast Cancer Network

Never Too Young: Psychosocial Information and Support for Young Women with Breast Cancer Care

Canadian Cancer Society

Sex, Intimacy and Cancer 

Cancer Care Ontario

• Intimacy and Sex: For People with Cancer and their Partners
• Prostate Cancer Patient Guide: How to Manage Sexual Health Problems 
• Prostate Cancer Guide: How to Manage Hormonal Symptoms

Durham Regional Cancer Centre

• Managing Your Vaginal Symptoms
• Mirror Exercise
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise
• Self-Sensate Focus Exercise
• Sensate Focus Exercises
• Understanding Sexual Desire
• Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
• Using a Vaginal Dilator
• The WISH Clinic - For patients with a gynecological or anal cancer

Fertility Preservation 

• Cancer and Fertility: A Guide for Young Adults
• Fertility Preservation for People Who Produce Eggs
• Fertility Preservation for People Who Produce Sperm

Pelvic Health 

• Pelvic exercises for women
• Pelvic exercises for men
• Finding a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic health

Support groups and education programs in your community

• Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre or call 905-579-4833
• Look Good Feel Better Program or call 1-800-914-5665

Finding Sex Therapy and Counselling Supports

• BESTCO: Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy & Counselling in Ontario (sex therapist directory)
• Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapists or call 416-907-4620
• Psychology Today (Canada)

Please talk to a member of your healthcare team if you have questions or do not understand information in any handout you were given.