Sexuality and intimacy in 5 points addresses specific challenges and opportunities that may arise after treatment for prostate cancer, whether you are in a relationship or navigating solo.

• Sexual desire varies from person to person and the important thing is to respect yourself

Returning to a “before” sex life can be difficult, especially after prostate cancer. Achieving and maintaining a healthy sexuality requires open communication and, sometimes, the help of a sex therapist. That said, it is completely normal, when stress sets in, not to feel sexual desire, or even to be intimate with your lover or vice versa. The important thing is to accept what you feel and especially to not feel guilty.

• Taking the time to reconnect with your intimacy can feel really good

After treatment for prostate cancer, many men emphasize the need to continue having intimate relationships with their partners, despite their inability to have penetrative sex. It should be understood that erection is not a panacea. Touching, kissing, holding hands, talking to each other for a long time, being together can be deeply satisfying and even more important in a relationship. This is an aspect of intimacy that should not be forgotten.

• Be imaginative, ready for the unexpected and laugh when it happens

Sex doesn’t have to be a “serious business” or a “marathon”. Allow yourself to stop and rest if you are tired. One of the biggest drags is performance anxiety, which can happen if you’re too focused on your erection. Did you know that the skin and brain are your most important sex organs? Use your imagination, humor and why not toys to explore new paths, get to know each other better or simply to have fun and do each other good.

• You are two, talk to each other. Above all, do not be afraid of words and of teaming up

Intimacy and sex foster a bond through passion, love, and most importantly, acceptance. You may feel insecure due to certain physical changes or fear that you no longer have or even deserve your partner’s acceptance. An important first step in nurturing your physical relationship is to discuss your mutual desires. If you can find intimacy and comfort in romantic moments, it will make your physical challenges much easier to tackle as a team.

• Self-disclosure has to be earned!

If you are starting a new relationship, sexual problems and other side effects like urinary or bowel problems can be a cause for concern. The fear of rejection as well as the fear of coming forward, of not being good enough, of being disappointed or of being heartbroken is natural, regardless of age, whether or not you have undergone treatment for prostate cancer. One thing is certain, sexuality is not the only criteria when looking for a soul mate. Personality, values, life goals, availability as well as common interests are so much more important than a relationship based on… sexual performance.

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Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures and webinars, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved in advancing the cause.

You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. You can chat with us or contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, as well as those of your family or loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.

Webinar to review
Urinary and sexual problems after treatment

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Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
Erectile dysfunction treatments and management

PROCURE blog articles that will enlighten you
Every week, we publish a blog article. Here are a few for you.
Sex and prostate cancer in 5 points
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Taking care of your penis
Do you have a curved penis?

Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2023