What you can do to regain sexual function

Some sexual side effects of cancer treatment will resolve in a few weeks. Others may last for a year or two after treatment, and some will be permanent.

Find out as much as you can about what's impeding your sexual function. This may help you feel more in control of the situation and help guide you to treatment options. You may also want to:

• Do some experimenting. You may find that certain situations reignite your sexual desire or help you get an erection.

  Pay attention to what works — whether it's stimulating your penis yourself or thinking about sexual fantasies. You might find your orgasms are more intense if you spend more time on foreplay. After certain operations or treatments, different sexual positions or activities may be helpful. If fatigue is a major problem, allow your partner to take the more physically active role.

• Talk with your doctor. Your doctor can give you more information on what's causing any sexual dysfunction you're experiencing. From there you can discuss treatment options, such as medications, implants or devices that can facilitate an erection.

  Keep in mind, though, that some doctors may be just as reluctant or embarrassed as you are to talk about sexual side effects. If so, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist, such as a urologist or a sex therapist.

• Talk with your partner. Let your partner know what works best for you. Be honest about your concerns and feelings. If you're silent about what you're experiencing, your partner may feel rejected.

  Your partner can offer vital support as you recover from cancer treatment. She or he might also have ideas on how to help you regain your sexual function.

• Talk with other cancer survivors. Your health care team might be able to steer you to a support group in your town. Otherwise, connect with other cancer survivors online.

  If you're embarrassed about discussing sex face to face with strangers, the online environment provides more anonymity. Start with the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivors Network.

Men who have had cancer treatment may find that it simply takes time to regain sexual function. Medications and other options for treatment work in some men and not in others. Sometimes it takes a year or two for nerves or blood vessels in your pelvic area to heal.