Additional Notes For Radiotherapy Patients; Sexual Intercourse - MDTi FEMMAX Mode D'emploi

6. ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR RADIOTHERAPY PATIENTS

Radiotherapy treatment may have an effect on the lining of the vagina and cause scar
tissue (adhesions) to develop and shortening (atrophy) of the vagina to occur. If this
happens you may find it difficult or uncomfortable when future internal examination is
carried out or when having sexual intercourse.
To help prevent this occurring there are several steps you can take to keep the vagina
healthy and supple. Dilation means the stretching and opening of the vagina and sexual
intercourse and/or using a dilator can do this.
If you are using your dilator following radiotherapy treatment, it is generally advisable
to start using your dilator 2 weeks after your treatment has finished when the acute
inflammatory response has settled (but please seek the advice of your doctor or nurse
specialist).
6a. SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
Sexual intercourse may continue throughout your radiotherapy treatment. If not, you
can resume sexual intercourse when you feel ready, usually at about 2 weeks after the
end of the radiotherapy treatment.
It is important to return to your normal level of sexual activity as soon as possible.
However, some patients may not feel ready immediately and may feel afraid or even
embarrassed, which is not unusual.
There are many different reasons why you may not feel ready for intercourse. You may
have lost interest in sex completely, particularly if you feel anxious or tense regarding
your health.
Some patients feel nervous about having sex either during or after treatment. It is
important to understand that it is perfectly safe to do so.
Cancer cannot be passed to your partner and sex will not make the cancer worse. You
may also be concerned about the radiotherapy affecting your partner but radiation does
not stay in the body so you will not harm them.
Take your time. Gentle and regular sex will allow you to relax and the vagina to stretch
slowly. You may feel more comfortable to start with positions that allow you to be in
control (i.e. sitting on top, astride your partner will not only let you set the pace, but
will also allow for deep penetration that will assist with dilation). Discuss this with your
partner. Show him this leaflet as he may not be aware of your concerns or needs.
If you feel any pain or discomfort and find you have to stop, do not be put off
trying again in a few days, as you may simply need a little more time to heal inside.
Sometimes if intercourse is difficult, or painful, you may feel tense or anxious. This may
also make intercourse more difficult. It is important to try to relax.
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