Cancer Sexual Health Program

You focused on the cancer diagnosis — your own or your partner's. Intimacy issues seemed small by comparison — until they weren't. Maintaining normalcy and nurturing emotional support can play a role in cancer treatment. The effects of cancer and cancer treatment can follow you into survivorship. You have questions and concerns. We're here to help.

The Froedtert & MCW Cancer Sexual Health Program brings together a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support for cancer patients with sexual health problems and concerns. Our program is available for cancer patients before, during and after treatment, as well as into survivorship.

Research has shown that sexual health concerns are some of the most distressing for cancer patients. This program aims to provide a resource to help patients address any of their concerns related to sexual health.

In most cases, it is safe to have sex when you have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment. It's important to ask your doctor. Talk with our team about any of the concerns listed below, and talk with your partner about how you are feeling. Cancer can be exhausting, so you may need to find additional ways of connecting and staying close. Our experts are here to help you with these complex issues.

Female Cancer Sexual Health Concerns

Care for females includes, but is not limited to, medical treatment that can help resolve functional issues such as:

• Discomfort during intercourse
• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido (low sex drive)
• Management of menopausal symptoms brought on by cancer or cancer treatment

Male Cancer Sexual Health Concerns

Care for male patients includes, but is not limited to, medical treatment that can help resolve functional issues such as:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low libido (low sex drive)

Fertility and Pregnancy

Ovarian cancer, testicular cancer or any cancer that involves the reproductive organs can raise questions about family planning. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also affect fertility. Prior to your cancer diagnosis, you may not have thought about these issues, but now they are top of mind.

For questions about preserving your fertility, we will refer you to our Reproductive Medicine Center. They will go over your options, such as freezing your eggs or your sperm. 

You may also want to consider birth control while you undergo cancer treatment. We suggest discussing your options with your OB/GYN or primary care physician. 

Emotional Support

All patients seen as part of the Cancer Sexual Health Program have direct access to psychological services to address emotional changes that are impacting sexual health including coping with menopausal symptoms, discomfort during intercourse, decreased desire, changes in body image and other concerns.

If Your Partner Has Cancer

Partners of cancer patients are welcome to come with their loved ones to ask questions during an appointment. Some common questions are:

• How can I support my loved one during cancer?
• How do we talk about intimacy and expectations?
• What are common side effects of cancer treatment in view of sexual health?

How to Access the Cancer Sexual Health Program

The program is available to patients through physician, clinician or self-referrals. If you have sexual health concerns, mention these to your cancer doctor, who can enter a referral to our program.

You may also request an appointment with our team by calling us directly and asking for the Cancer Sexual Health Program.

• Females: 414-805-0505
• Males: 414-777-7700