Radical surgery to the vagina and vulva can so change the physical aspects of the genitalia that sexual activity can become very difficult both physically and psychologically because of the fear of pain or bleeding during intercourse. Plastic surgery to reconstruct the organs, along with sex counseling, can be very helpful to some, while others may learn to enjoy love-making without intercourse.
Hodgkin's Disease About 20 percent of men and women with this type of cancer lose energy and interest in sex. Hodgkin's disease doesn't usually affect the ability to get an erection, but problems with ovaries may lead to painful intercourse for women. Lengthy treatments and impaired fertility may cause marital stress unless both partners are encouraged to communicate their feelings.
Cancer of the Penis and Testicles Men who lose part of their penis may still be capable of getting erections, having orgasms and ejaculating. Removal of the whole penis naturally can cause very severe sexual difficulties. But orgasm may still be possible with stimulation of the bones, pubis, perineum and scrotum and ejaculation through a urethrostomy.
With testis cancer, the sexual problems depend on the type of tumor . With non-seminoma, removal of a testicle and the lymph nodes in the area usually results in a decrease in fertility and sexual activity. Some men with seminoma who have had a testicle removed plus radiation therapy report low or no sexual activity, decreased desire, problems with erections and orgasms, and decreased volume of semen.
