This episode talks with Dr. Anna Levin, who explains how cancer can impact sexual functioning, people’s relationships with their bodies around sex and some of the ways people can get treatment. She emphasizes that these side effects are common but often not spoken about and hopes to encourage people to start talking about it- with their doctors, partners, friends or other people who share a cancer experience.

Specifically we discuss:

• Sexual concerns are VERY common and very often NOT brought up by patients or oncologists

• What are the impacts of cancer on sexual function?

  • Sexual Arousal/Desire

    • males- ability to have an erection, maintain erection

    • Female- lubrication, vaginal health, reach orgasm

  • Changes in the body which impact body image and self esteem

  • Changes in relationships

• What cancer treatments cause sexual dysfunction?

  • Surgical treatments- removal of breasts, ovaries, ostomy bags, foleys

  • Hormonal therapies

  • Chemotherapies- can also alter hormones

  • Systemic treatments and radiation- increases fatigue and can decrease desire

• What are the most common treatments?

  • MANY treatments can help patients but sometimes the hardest part is bringing the topic into the conversation

  • Females: Referral to gynecologist

  • Males: Referral to urologist

  • Couples therapy, individual therapy

  • Sex therapist

• Good resources- American Cancer Society:

  • Sexual Health for Females

    Sexual Health for Males

    
    

    Anne Levin, MD

    Dr. Anna Levin is a clinical health psychologist who specializes in working with people facing medical concerns, as well as with their loved ones and caregivers. She worked for many years at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Cancer Center in the Psycho-Oncology program before opening her private practice, New England Health Psychology Partners, where she serves patients from California via telemedicine.