Inger Rosner, MD, is a board-certified urologic oncologist at Inova Scar Cancer Institute’s Genitourinary Cancer Program. Dr. Rosner has published dozens of papers based on her research in the field of urologic oncology. She answers common questions about testicular cancer and sexual health, and provides hope for those with this diagnosis.
Finding out you have cancer is stressful. And when that cancer involves an intimate place like the testicles, it can feel isolating. You may not want to talk about it with others. You may have lots of questions for your healthcare provider but feel hesitant to ask them.
You’re not alone. Most people with testicular cancer face these same challenges. But your sexual health is an important part of your overall health. You deserve answers and support every step of the way. At Inova, we provide care for all aspects of your health: physical, emotional, social and sexual.
Testicular cancer is cancer that starts in your testicles. Males are typically born with two testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. They make sperm and hormones, including testosterone.
This cancer most commonly affects males between the ages of 20 and 45. It may affect one testicle or both. There are several different types of testicular cancer, and each requires a customized treatment plan. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, you may need:
If you’re going through or finished testicular cancer treatment, it’s normal to notice some changes to your sexual health. But with the right support and care, many people can return to healthy sexual function.
Testicular cancer treatment can affect your sexual health in several ways:
Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, which is emotionally distressing for many people. If you feel less confident about your appearance, it may be harder to find interest in sex.
Having a testicle removed makes many people feel less comfortable with sexual activity. They may not like how it looks or worry that their partner notices the change. But it’s important to note that you can have a satisfying sex life with one testicle.
Certain types of radiation therapy and surgery can damage blood vessels and nerves in your genitals. Nerve damage can cause erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get or keep an erection.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can make you feel tired, unwell or not like yourself. The stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can also be emotionally draining. For many people, these side effects make them less interested in sexual activity.
Testicular cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect sperm production and fertility. If you wish to have a biological child in the future, talk with your cancer care specialists. You may be able to store sperm for later use. You may also benefit from fertility procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Chemo can lower your testosterone levels during treatment. Lower testosterone levels can temporarily decrease your libido (sex drive). But testosterone levels usually recover in people who still have one healthy testicle after treatment.
RPLND surgery can cause nerve damage that leads to retrograde ejaculation — semen flowing backward to your bladder instead of out of your body. While retrograde ejaculation isn’t otherwise harmful, it affects your fertility and may cause emotional stress.
The specialists at Inova Schar Cancer Institute understand how sexual health plays an important role in your overall health. We help prevent or minimize sexual side effects with:
Our Inova Life with Cancer program was developed to support people with cancer and their loved ones. Life with Cancer provides comprehensive care and resources to improve your quality of life as you cope with a cancer diagnosis.
This nationally leading support program is free and open to patients at Inova Schar Cancer Institute and other health care institutions in the area. The Life with Cancer team includes:
Together, this team cares for patients, family members and caregivers who are impacted by cancer. Our services include:
Sexual side effects are hard to talk about, and many patients hesitate to even ask their doctor. Our Life with Cancer program gives you a safe space to talk with others who understand. Men with a cancer diagnosis can discuss sexual health in our dedicated online support group.
Through support groups and community resources, you can connect with people who have similar experiences. And our specialists provide the answers and support you need at every step. Our goal is to help you improve your quality of life — through treatment and for years beyond.
If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, you deserve leading-edge, compassionate treatment. Learn more about the exceptional care we provide at the Inova Scar Cancer Institute.
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