Sexual Consequences of Chemotherapy

Abstract

The diagnosis of any type of tumor always involves hurt and grief at the loss of everlasting health – a fact that we all take for granted. A tumor is an intimation of mortality. Therefore, a common consequence of a cancer diagnosis is a negative impact on psychological well-being and consequently on sexual health. Frequently, consequences can be observed in the form of depressive symptoms, anxiety, agitation, anger, misbelief about the cancer’s origin, and stress related to personal relationships, as well as various sexual disturbances. In particular, sexual problems are frequent in those with a diagnosis of a urogenital cancer. In addition, the side effects of cancer treatment have an important bearing on male and female sexuality. Among these treatments, chemotherapy takes a central role in worsening the psychological equilibrium and overall well-being. The most frequent symptoms related to chemotherapy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, mucositis, weight changes, and an altered sense of taste and smell. Hence, the patient is conscious of taking a drug, which, on the one hand, is crucial to overcoming the illness, and, on the other hand, it destroys the integrity of body and mind. In this context, a common consequence of chemotherapy is loss of sexual desire, since sexuality is symbolic of life, while cancer calls to mind a death experience.