Advice for Survivors on Dealing With Sexual Issues

Cancer survivors should speak up about any kind of sexual issues they're having during or after treatment.

Michael Krychman, M.D., sexual medicine gynecologist at the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, offers cancer survivors advice for dealing with sexual issues that may arise during or after treatment.

Cancer treatment can bring on a number of sexual side effects, from loss of interest to vaginal dryness in women and erectile and ejaculation issues in men. However, Krychman says that there are plenty of resources for patients to take advantage of.

Also, Krychman mentioned that it is important for patients not to be shy in bridging the topic of sex with health care providers. He recommends writing questions down so that they are not forgotten, and, if a doctor is unsure how to handle a certain sexual side effect, patients should be vocal in asking for referrals to get the help they need.