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Psychology, family and everyday life

Relationships and intimacy: closeness continues

Illness and treatment affect a couple, body image, energy and desire. It is normal to talk about this, and your team is ready to answer these questions.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A couple holding hands at a table by a window
Figure 1.Closeness continues

01Short answer

Share your feelings openly with your partner: fear, tiredness and changes in your body. Intimacy is not only sex; touch, hugs and time together are closeness too. Ask your team about sex: it is usually postponed when neutrophils or platelets are very low; condoms may be advised for the days after chemotherapy (“Body fluids: precautions at home”); and preventing pregnancy during treatment is important, so choose a method with your team. Dryness, pain, low desire and erection problems have solutions; tell your team. A psychologist or couples counsellor can help.

02Simple explanation

Talk openly.

Intimacy: not only sex.

Timing: from your team.

Pregnancy: prevent it.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: treatment can affect sexual health; discussing contraception and the risks of infection and bleeding with your doctor is recommended.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Hormones

Treatment can affect sex hormones.

Body image

Hair loss, a line or weight changes can shake confidence.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
HormonesTreatment can affect sex hormones.
Body imageHair loss, a line or weight changes can shake confidence.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Libido
Sexual desire.
Contraception
Preventing pregnancy.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Talk.
  • Ask.
  • Protect.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

I feel embarrassed asking my doctor.

It is an ordinary medical question; you can also ask in writing.

My partner has become distant.

Often it is fear; see a counsellor together.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. I feel embarrassed asking my doctor.

  2. My partner has become distant.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Women and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Men and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Central venous catheters - ports
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Caring for the Caregiver
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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