Sexual Difficulties After Cancer | Apex Psychological Services

Cancer and Sexual Wellbeing

Cancer and its treatment can have profound and lasting effects on sexual wellbeing. These effects are common, understandably distressing, and significantly undertreated — because the focus of oncology care is necessarily on survival, leaving little space for the sexual consequences of treatment.

Sexual difficulties following cancer treatment are not trivial. They affect quality of life, self-image, relationships, and the ability to feel like oneself again. They deserve the same level of specialist attention as any other consequence of cancer — and they are treatable.

Very common: Studies show that 40-100% of people experience some form of sexual difficulty following cancer treatment, depending on the type of cancer and treatment. You are not alone, and there is effective specialist support available.

How Cancer Treatment Affects Sexual Functioning

Hormonal Changes

Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgical removal of hormone-producing organs can dramatically reduce testosterone or oestrogen levels, causing low desire, vaginal dryness, erectile difficulties, and fatigue that directly affect sexual functioning.

Physical Changes and Body Image

Surgery — mastectomy, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, stoma formation, limb amputation — can fundamentally change a person’s relationship with their body and their sense of sexual attractiveness and desirability.

Nerve Damage

Surgery and radiotherapy in the pelvic area can damage the nerves responsible for arousal and orgasm. Nerve-sparing surgical techniques have improved but cannot guarantee preservation of function.

Vaginal Changes

Radiotherapy and hormone therapy frequently cause vaginal stenosis (narrowing), dryness, and atrophy that make penetration painful or impossible, affecting both physical function and sexual confidence.

Erectile Dysfunction

Following treatment for prostate, bladder, or rectal cancer, erectile difficulties are extremely common, particularly in the months immediately following treatment while nerve function may still be recovering.

Psychological Impact

The psychological experience of cancer — fear of recurrence, changed relationship with mortality, depression, anxiety, grief for the pre-cancer self — profoundly affects sexual wellbeing independently of the physical changes.

How Psychosexual Therapy Helps

Specialist Assessment

A comprehensive assessment of the specific physical and psychological factors affecting your sexual wellbeing since cancer — including the cancer type, treatment received, and the personal impact of both.

Psychoeducation

Understanding the specific mechanisms by which your treatment has affected sexual functioning — reducing the self-blame and shame that frequently accompanies sexual difficulties after cancer.

Body Image Work

Addressing the changed relationship with your body that cancer and its treatment often produces — rebuilding a sense of yourself as a sexual person that accommodates what has changed.

Practical Strategies

Evidence-based techniques for managing specific difficulties — including vaginal dilator programmes, erectile rehabilitation, use of lubrication and sensory aids, and positional adaptations for pain or mobility.

Partner Work

Supporting couples in navigating the changed sexual landscape together — addressing the fear, protectiveness, grief, and communication difficulties that cancer creates for both partners.

Grief and Adjustment

Providing space to grieve the sexual self that existed before cancer — because this grief, when unacknowledged, significantly impedes sexual recovery.

What You Can Expect from Treatment

Improved sexual functioning : Evidence-based strategies for managing the specific physical effects of cancer treatment on sexual response
Rebuilt body confidence : Develop a more positive, accepting relationship with your post-treatment body
Reduced distress : Address the psychological impact of cancer on your sense of yourself as a sexual person
Improved intimacy : Rebuild physical and emotional closeness with a partner that cancer treatment has disrupted

What our clients say

"My oncologist told me sexual problems were common after treatment but gave me nothing to help. Finding specialist psychosexual therapy eighteen months later was life-changing. "

— Anonymous

"My therapist understood the specific physical and emotional consequences of my treatment. For the first time I felt properly understood — by someone who had the knowledge to actually help."

— Anonymous

"We came as a couple. Cancer had made sex frightening for both of us — me because of my body, my partner because of fear of hurting me. Therapy helped us find our way back to each other."

— Anonymous

Our Therapists

Our COSRT-accredited therapists have specialist experience working with sexual difficulties following cancer treatment. This is a distinct specialism requiring knowledge of oncology treatments, their sexual side effects, and the specific psychological work that supports recovery — knowledge our therapists have developed through specific postgraduate training.

Working with sexual difficulties after cancer requires a particular combination of clinical knowledge and human sensitivity. Our therapists approach this work with both — understanding the medical picture in detail while honouring the profound personal experience of cancer and its aftermath.

Your First Session

Your first session is a warm, confidential conversation about your experience — what you have been noticing, how long it has been affecting you, and what you hope to achieve. There is no pressure and no predetermined agenda. Your therapist will listen carefully and develop a personalised treatment plan collaboratively with you.

Between Sessions

Psychosexual therapy involves work between sessions as well as within them. Your therapist will discuss any tasks, exercises, or reflections that may support your progress. These are always agreed collaboratively and tailored entirely to your situation and pace.

No GP Referral Needed

You do not need a GP referral to book with us. You can contact us directly for a confidential initial consultation. We are happy to work alongside your GP or other healthcare providers with your consent.

If you are in crisis: Apex Psychological Services is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact NHS 111, call 999, or attend your nearest A&E. Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 (free, any phone).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I seek psychosexual therapy after cancer?

As soon as sexual difficulties are affecting your quality of life or relationships. There is no required waiting period. Some people benefit from early support; others seek help months or years after completing treatment.

2. Will my therapist understand the specific effects of my cancer treatment?

Yes. Our therapists have specialist knowledge of the sexual consequences of different cancer treatments and types. They will take a thorough medical history and tailor the approach to your specific situation.

3. Should I attend with my partner?

This is entirely your choice. Many people attend individually; others find that joint sessions are valuable in navigating the changed sexual relationship together. Your therapist will discuss the best approach for your situation.

4. Are there physical interventions alongside therapy?

Your therapist can recommend evidence-based physical interventions such as vaginal dilator programmes, lubricants, and pelvic floor work, and can work alongside other healthcare providers where appropriate.

No referral needed: You can contact us directly without a GP referral or existing diagnosis. We respond to all enquiries within one working day, Monday to Friday.

Fees

Session Fees

Individual Sessions: £90 per session (50 minutes)
Couple Sessions: £130 per session (50 minutes)

Session Frequency

Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly sessions. You and your therapist will agree a frequency that suits your needs.
Both in-person and online appointments are available.

Please use our contact form to arrange a consultation. We respond within one working day.