Physical Impact

The effects of chemotherapy can take some time to wear off, and you may feel tired and lethargic for a few months after treatment. Research has shown that trying to stay active during this time can help your recovery. This does not have to be extreme activity but going for brisk walks or performing gentle resistance exercises can make you feel better and help your body to recover.

Chemotherapy can increase the risk of future medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, so it is important that where possible you maintain a healthy lifestyle, keeping to a healthy, varied diet and performing regular exercise.

Sex Life

The removal of one testicle will not usually affect sexual performance or the ability to father children, providing the other testicle is healthy and working normally. This is because the remaining healthy testicle will produce enough testosterone and sperm to compensate. If both testicles are removed, then testosterone replacement therapy will be needed This can be given in the form of injections or gels and should enable a man to have normal sexual intercourse.

Cancer treatment may make men lose interest in sex. This is called loss of libido and is common to many illnesses, not just cancer. It is worrying, but it is usually a temporary side effect and once treatment is over and the body begins to return to normal, libido will usually also return. Sexual problems are very personal and very important, and talking about them can be a great help. Sexual relationships are built on many things including love, trust, and common experiences. Men may even find a new closeness after talking through a problem with their partner. Some hospitals have specialist counsellors (psychosexual counsellors) who are trained to help people with sexual concerns. If men are worried about this, they should ask their doctor or nurse specialist for further information. One common fear is that cancer cells can be passed on to a partner during sex. This is not true. Cancer is not infectious, and it is perfectly safe to have sexual intercourse.

Reviewed 1/2024