Prostate Cancer, Sex and Relationships: What to Know

A diagnosis of prostate cancer can bring questions. People often wonder about sex, intimacy and how life might change during treatment. Many people can still have a sex life with prostate cancer.. The cancer and its treatment may cause changes. What happens varies from person to person. Your care team can help explain what to expect based on your treatment plan.

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a gland that sits below the bladder that helps you make some of the fluid in the semen. Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate grow in an uncertain manner.

Which part of the body is affected?

The prostate is near the bladder, the bowel, the nerves and blood vessels that help the penis become firm for an erection. The tube that carries urine from the bladder passes through the prostate. It is because these parts are close together prostate cancer or its treatment can sometimes affect urination, erections or ejaculation. The effect depends on the cancer and the treatment used.

How could prostate cancer affect sex and relationships?

Some people notice changes before treatment begins. Treatment may also lead to changes such as:

• interest in sex: Hormone treatment can lower the body’s level of hormones. This can reduce desire.
• Changes in erections: Surgery or radiation may affect nerves or blood vessels. This can make it harder to get or maintain an erection.
• Changes in ejaculation or orgasm: After surgery to remove the prostate a person may still feel orgasm. Release little or no semen. Other treatments may also change how orgasm feels.
• Changes in fertility: Some treatments can make it harder to have a child naturally. If having children matters to you,
• ask your doctor about options before treatment starts.

These changes do not happen to everyone. Some changes may improve over time. Others may need support. Your care team can explain which changes are possible with your treatment.

Sexual activity may be possible during or after treatment.. What feels comfortable can change. Ask your doctor when it is safe to resume sex. This is especially important after surgery

Changes in sex may affect your partner and the relationship too. It may help to talk about worries, comfort and what feels right for both of you. Closeness can also mean holding hands, cuddling, kissing or spending time. There is no right way to stay connected.

When should you speak with a doctor?

Bring up your concerns with your cancer care team if you have:

• Pain, bleeding or other new symptoms during sex
• Changes, in erections, desire, ejaculation or orgasm that worry you
• sadness, anxiety or stress
• Questions about fertility or when to resume sexual activity

You do not need to wait until a concern becomes severe. Your oncologist, urologist or nurse can answer questions. They can discuss whether additional support would help.

Support at MGM Cancer Institute

Prostate cancer can bring up questions about sexual function, confidence, emotional health and relationships. These topics can feel very personal. It’s normal to find them hard to talk about.

At MGM Cancer Institute patients are encouraged to talk with their care team. Your doctor can explain how your treatment might impact your health. They can answer your questions about recovery. Help you find the right support. If you are feeling stress or having concerns about your relationships let your team know. They can talk through options with you.

You don’t have to have words or know exactly what to ask. Just sharing a concern is enough to begin the conversation. Your care team is here to support you with kindness and respect. They are, with you every step of the way to help you make choices that feel right for you.

Doctor details:

Dr. Manikandan Venkatasubramaniyan

Senior Consultant
Surgical Oncology