Leukemia and Its Effect on Libido
Regardless of a person’s age, culture, gender, relationship status, or type of cancer, leukemia, like any major illness, can impair their sexuality. Intimate relationships can be affected by emotional stress, physical side effects, and changes brought on by treatment. The stress that a caretaker’s partner may feel is another factor. Luckily, leukemia patients can cope up with these side effects even without disregarding their sexual relations.
Leukemia and One’s Physique
Generally, leukemia and its treatment can affect intimacy. While certain bodily effects are more specifically associated with sexuality, others affect people’s quality of life in broader ways. Changes in hormone levels and sexual function, as well as libido, can be side effects of chemotherapy. A loss of libido may result from reduced testosterone levels.
Premature ovarian failure, often known as early menopause, can result from decreased estrogen levels. Discomfort during sexual activity may result from hot flashes and vaginal dryness brought on by this hormonal shift.
Mentality and Intimate Relationships of Leukemia Patients
Anxiety, depression, and stress are examples of mental health issues that cancer patients are usually dealing into. Sexual desire and performance might suffer from depression for whatever reason. And signs of depression in a leukemia patient entails the lack of sexual desire, inability to sense pleasure and to climax.
Leukemia Patients’ Partners
A partner’s sexual orientation may be affected by a person’s leukemia diagnosis. As a result of less sexual closeness, partners may have decreased sex drive, anxiety about initiating sex (often out of fear of harming their spouse), and a generalized sense of being unwanted.
When one spouse is dealing with leukemia, it might influence even nonsexual physical affection like caressing. Cancer patients and their loved ones may find it difficult or unacceptable to engage in even the most basic displays of affection for fear that doing so would trigger sexual relations.
Managing Techniques
A person’s sex life can be managed in a number of ways when dealing with leukemia. Perhaps these recommendations will be of use.
Consult Your Physician
Any problems with intimacy that you or your partner may be having, discuss them with your cancer care or medical team. You might inquire about possible drug options, like lubricants for vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (Sildenafil). Many also use pills for virility and sexual desire.
Have a Personal Conversation with Your Spouse
Share your emotions with your companion so you can better comprehend each other. Another crucial thing to do is to discuss your sexual wants and ways to increase your interest in sexual closeness with your spouse. A sex therapist who has worked with patients whose illnesses have affected their romantic relationships can be another resource to consider. Sex therapists are trained to assist both individuals and couples.
Avoid Missing Dosages
Just one hour before getting sexually intimate, take any pain or nausea medicine you may be taking. Keep in mind that sexual performance may be affected by certain pain and nausea medications.
Conjure Up the Spirit
Make sure there is a setting that is comfortable for sexual engagement. Each couple’s version of this will be unique. Perhaps some music, some candles, or even just clearing the space will help you relax.