For many cancer people, the end of their treatment marks the return of “normal life”. The scans are cleaned, the hospital attack decreases, hair eventually becomes normal, and life starts to look hopeful once again. But there is a calm, often unspecified conflict below the surface of demonetisation and flexibility, one that does not appear on regular tests, but deeply affects life: the loss or decrease of sexual desire or libido.

Decrease in libido after cancer treatment is not only about hormones or physiological marks (it is also a part), but it is also a level of emotional trauma, body image change and constant side effects. And yet, despite its prevalence, sexual health remains a side note in most cancer -related interactions.

“It is more than the type of cancer, the treatment that leaves a permanent impression on sexual health,” Dr. Debashish Chaudhary, Senior Advisor and Clinical Lead of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Describe Surgical Oncology and Robot Surgery in Gurugram. “Chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, especially hormone-producing organs, can severely affect libido.”

Hormonal infection

At a physical level, libido rests on hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. In breast or prostate cancer, for example, hormonal therapy is designed to suppress these very hormones. “Daman means often a steep decline in will,” Dr. Dr., Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi. Mandeep Singh Malhotra says.

He also states that more than 80% of cancer patients experience some form of sexual activity or deficiency in sexual activity before or after treatment. Although it is widespread, intensity and perseverance often depend on the type and treatment of cancer, especially on hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, which directly affect the body’s hormone levels and reproductive functions.

long term effects

For example, a 2023 study published in scientific reports found that survive from cancer for almost half of a period of time, after diagnosis after 5 and 10 years, described his sexual life as less satisfactory than before cancer. The study stated that both physical symptoms (such as fatigue and pain) and psychological factors (such as depression and anxiety) were associated with low sexual satisfaction.

Dr. Rajiv Vijaykumar, Medical oncologist, Hemo oncologist, Hemo oncologist, Hemo oncologist and BMT doctor Glaynegles BGS Hospital, Dr. Bengaluru. Rajiv Vijaykumar said, “Even five or ten years below line, patients, especially women, ‘I still do not insist.”

He mentions that this is especially true for young breast cancer patients who are motivated in early menopause to prevent recurrence. This causes hormonal chaos, which means low estrogen, low secretion, vaginal dryness and it not only makes intimacy difficult, but sometimes painful.

Just if you thought that only women only raise the ill effects of cancer treatment, then men are also affected, but differently. Erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, and loss of surgery or hormone therapy after confidence are common issues, especially in people avoiding prostate or testicular cancer. Dr. Vijaykumar says, “It seems that every time they try to be intimate, it takes time to take an exam.” “And the fear of failure becomes your libido killer.”

It’s not just physical

A cancer between many infections goes through the survivor, the body is not spared either. “Many remaining people carry the emotional weight of trauma, body image issues, marks, steroids, or the emotional weight of feeling ‘less desirable’,” Dr. Vijayakumar says.

These psychological layers often become uncontrolled, yet they play a major role in long -term sexual dissatisfaction. As Dr. Chaudhary said, “Even after a healthy recovery, issues such as the body’s dismorphia and anxiety can put a long shade on intimacy.

Where is the conversation?

In 2022, an estimated 14.6 lakh new cancer cases (100.4 cases per 1 lakh people) were given in India. In the country, one in nine people is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime.

Yes, these are statistics, yet there are many conversations after the disease, and most experts agree.

Dr. Malhotra says, “Sexual health is still in discussion in post -cancer care. “The remaining people hesitate to bring it, and many healthcare providers are not trained, or there is no time, to detect it.” While some progressive centers are weaving sexual welfare in survival programs, most patients are left to navigate it alone, often in silence.

Does it ever become normal?

Now, the question is, what was it before? Recovery, sexual and emotional, is possible. “In some cases, yes, the pre-cancer levels of libido and satisfaction may come back,” Dr. Chaudhary says. “But it requires a multi -disciplinary approach.” Hormone therapy (where safe), pelvic physiotherapy, sex counseling, and, perhaps the most important thing that can create a world of open communication differences with partners.

Age also plays a role. Small people often have a better chance of jumping back. “But more than biology, it is about support systems, professional and personal,” Dr. Malhotra says.

Re -define the intimacy

However, for some, when things do not seem before, you must redefine intimacy. The answer to a complete sex life post-cancer fight is not how it used to be earlier. Rather, re -starting intimacy in the present.

“Honest communication, emotional relations and patience, these are now columns,” Dr. Chaudhary says. “Sex therapists can help partners discover new forms of intimacy, which are not only defined by intercourse.”

Dr. Vijayakumar said it directly: “A woman with a breast needs to hear from her partner that she is still beautiful. Such confirmation is more treatment than any hormone shot.”