Sexual Wellness Clinic

Sexual health means different things to different people. Whether your desire is physical intimacy or sharing connection with a partner, sexual dysfunction (a disruption in your ability to have physical intimacy) is common among people with cancer. 

During and after cancer treatment, you may notice changes in your sexual health. Factors like side effects from treatment, physical changes, fatigue, anxiety and depression can all play a role in your libido and sexual well-being. 

The Sexual Wellness Clinic at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is designed to help you overcome cancer-related sexual health challenges. We offer counseling sessions and educational materials to help improve your sexual well-being, both physically and emotionally. 

In the clinic, you can safely discuss any sexual health issues you are experiencing and ask any questions you may have about having a satisfying sexual experience.

Who we treat

Anyone who is affected by cancer is welcome and can be referred to the clinic by their health care provider, including people who:

• Are in active cancer treatment
• Have had cancer treatment in the past
• Have had surgery to reduce the risk of cancer
• Have been recently diagnosed with cancer and want to know what to expect regarding their sexual health

Conditions treated at the Sexual Wellness Clinic

In the clinic, you can see a multidisciplinary team of experts including physical therapists, urologists, gynecologists and/or behavioral health providers. Your team can help with conditions such as:

• Pain with intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Low libido
• Vulvar and vaginal dryness
• Lack of pleasure
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Changes in body image
• Vaginal scarring (stenosis)
• Anxiety, depression or fear related to intimacy
• Premature or delayed ejaculation
• Low testosterone
• Erectile dysfunction
• Peyronie’s disease
• Incontinence after prostate removal
• Testicular pain

What to expect at the Sexual Wellness Clinic

Before your first appointment, we will ask you to fill out a questionnaire detailing your treatment and current concerns. This questionnaire is confidential between you and our clinic team.

At your first visit, you’ll spend about an hour with a sexual wellness provider. You’ll discuss the information you provided as well as any other concerns you have. If you have a partner, you’re welcome to bring them along so we can understand the goals you share.

Your provider may ask about your medical history. In some cases, they may perform a pelvic exam. They will then work with you (and your partner, if possible) to create a personalized approach to improving your sexual health and well-being.

What to expect at follow-up visits

At follow-up visits, your provider will check how well your plan is going and work with you to make any needed changes. Depending on your situation, we may also incorporate:

• A physical therapist to learn how to control and strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor.
• A behavioral health provider to help examine your feelings, improve communication between you and your partner and learn new ways to approach old patterns.

Before engaging in sexual activities, talk to your cancer care team about any protective steps you should take while you are in active treatment. This may include barrier methods (such as a condom) to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Connect with care

Your sexual health is an important part of healing. If you are in or have gone through cancer treatment and you’re concerned about your sexual well-being, talk to your care team for more information about the Sexual Wellness Clinic. We’re here to help you return to the quality of life you deserve.