Erectile dysfunction: Most common sexual side effect of cancer treatment for men

A number of sexual side effects can occur as a result of cancer treatment, including:

• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Difficulty climaxing
• Orgasm without discharge of semen (dry orgasm)
• Weaker, less satisfying orgasms
• Loss of interest in sex
• Pain during sex
• Less energy for sexual activity
• Feeling less attractive

Not every man with cancer will experience sexual side effects. Your doctor can discuss the level of risk you may encounter for your specific type of cancer and treatment.

Cancer can cause sexual side effects if the cancer involves sexual organs. Cancers that do not affect the sexual organs can also affect your sexuality by changing your body image, making you feel less attractive, or causing fatigue or depression and decreasing interest in sex.

Sexual difficulties can also result from side effects of cancer and its treatment, such as fatigue, pain or anxiety about your treatment. In addition, depressed feelings about having cancer could cause a loss of libido.

Sometimes emotional factors may have sexual side effects in addition to the physical changes you undergo during treatment.