• But, when you are feeling better you might wonder about what effect your cancer will have or could have on your ability to have sex.

• The good news is that unless your doctor tells you otherwise there is no reason why you can’t have sex while you are being treated for cancer. But you must always use condoms to prevent the drugs from chemo treatment being passed on through semen or vaginal secretions.

• The bad news is that you may feel 'washed out' and not have a lot of energy for many months or even longer.

• You may lose your interest in sex, be feeling unattractive or worry that you will never be able to be sexually active.

• The main thing to remember is that this will pass, and if you are concerned about how your treatment will affect your ability to have sex you should talk to your treating doctor or nurse.

•  If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend – you should also talk to them too!

• Don’t forget, you can still have a great relationship without having sex.

Physical Changes

Cancer treatment can change the way you look, how you feel about your body and how your body works.

For more information on coping with these changes, visit our Dealing with changes to your body fact sheet.

Contraception during treatment (its important!)

• When you are having chemo, it is important to use condoms (even if you are using other forms of contraception - like the pill) during and shortly after treatments.

• It is advisable to do this for about 2-3 months after your last dose of chemo as it is possible that small amounts of the drugs could be passed on to your partner through semen or vaginal secretions.

• Using condoms while you are receiving treatment and for the recommended time after is also important to ensure that you don’t become pregnant or get someone pregnant.

Remember: Always practice safe sex and check if there are any other special precautions you need to take.