Sex, fertility and menopause after ovarian cancer treatment

Sex

Ovarian cancer treatment can affect you physically and mentally when it comes to sex.

If you have a hysterectomy, it is best to wait at least 6 weeks before having sex again to allow your wound to heal properly. 

If you haven’t been through the menopause and you have your ovaries removed, you will go through early menopause. This can affect your desire for sex (libido) and cause vaginal dryness, which can make penetrative sex uncomfortable. Vaginal creams, moisturisers and lubricants can help. These can be bought in your local pharmacy. Your doctor or nurse can advise you about the best products, or may recommend hormonal creams. Other menopausal symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and hot flushes may also make you feel less like having sex. 

If you have a colostomy, it can affect the way you feel about your body. You may feel self-conscious about your body with your partner or if you’re starting a new relationship. We have more information about living with a stoma.

Read more about managing sexual side-effects of cancer treatment.

Contraception

If you did not have a hysterectomy and are fertile, you should use a reliable method of contraception during and for some time after treatment. Some chemotherapy and other cancer drugs may harm a developing baby, so it’s important to avoid pregnancy during and for a time after treatment. Many specialists recommend that you wait for up to 2 years after treatment before trying to start a family or having more children. This time gives your body a chance to recover from the effects of the cancer and its treatment. Ask your doctor's advice about contraception and family planning.

Early menopause

If you haven’t yet gone through the menopause, having your ovaries removed will cause an early menopause. Symptoms can include hot lushes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, headaches, joint pain, osteoporosis, dry skin, dryness of your vagina, reduced sexual desire (libido), mood swings, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, anxiety or low mood. Other treatments may also cause these symptoms. 

Tell your nurse or doctor if you’re troubled by menopausal symptoms. There are treatments that can help.

Read more about managing menopausal symptoms.

Fertility and ovarian cancer treatment

Your fertility will be affected if you have a single ovary removed, an oophorectomy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Depending on the treatment, infertility may be temporary or permanent.  

Discuss any worries you have about infertility with your doctor before treatment starts. He or she can tell you if there are any options open to you. For example, it may be possible to freeze your eggs before treatment begins. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist fertility clinic for advice, counselling and support if this is an option for you.

Dealing with infertility

Dealing with infertility can bring feelings of sadness, anger and loss of identity. It can help to talk through your concerns with someone who is a good listener or with a professional counsellor. You can also call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre for information and support from a cancer nurse.