What Men Can Do
About Changes in Sexuality and Fertility
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"I talked with my doctor about the
sexual problems I was having. I'm glad
I did. My doctor told me some things
that had worked for other men." |
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To order free copies of this fact sheet, please call
1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER).
Is it okay to have sex during my treatment?
Talk with your doctor to learn if it is okay for you to have sex. It depends on
your type of treatment. Most men can have sex during their treatment.
I don't feel like having sex anymore.
What's wrong?
Be easy on yourself. You are going through a lot.
You may be worried or tired from your treatment.
Most likely you will feel better once treatment ends.
For now, talk with your partner and find other ways
to stay close to each other.
Will I still be able to have sex after treatment?
Some men are able to have sex without any
problems. For other men, radiation therapy can
cause problems with getting and keeping an erection. Sexual changes happen
very slowly over a period of six months to one year after radiation therapy.
Talk with your doctor or nurse to learn what you should expect.
Will I be able to have children in the future?
Before treatment starts, talk with your doctor
about your plans for a family. Let your doctor
know if you would like to have children after
treatment.Your doctor can help you learn
about what you can do now to plan for your
family's future. He or she can talk with you
about sperm banking. Or your doctor can
refer you to a fertility specialist.
- What problems should I call you about?
- How long will these problems last?
- What medicine or treatments could help me with these problems?
- What are all my options now if I would like to have children in the future?
American Cancer Society
fertileHOPE
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