Opioids and Changes in Sexual Health
Being in pain and taking opioids can cause changes to your sexual health. It can be easy to overlook the importance of sexual intimacy. But feeling intimacy and connection can be an important part of coping with pain and cancer in general. It is important to talk with your care team and with your partner about these issues.
How do opioids affect sex?
Opioids change messages in your nerves and your brain. These are some of the same messages involved with sexual function (for example feeling interested in sex, being sexually aroused, or having an orgasm). Cancer and cancer treatment can also affect your sexual health. Your care team can help you figure out what’s going on and come up with tips to help.
Talk to your doctor about concerns you may have about sexual health. Opioids may not be the only reason you have noticed a change, but your care team can help you figure out options.
Here are some ideas for ways to start the conversation with your provider. You can start by saying something like:
“I know this isn’t the main focus of my treatment, but I need to talk about changes I’ve noticed in my sexual health since taking opioids...”
“This is hard for me talk about, but I have noticed...”
Next, you can bring up specific issues you may have with sexual health. Here's some language you can try using:
“I’m having trouble reaching an orgasm. It seems to be worse since starting opioids.”
“I’m having a hard time getting aroused or keeping an erection. It seems worse since starting opioids.”
“I have a lot of pain during intercourse, and I have a lot of dryness. I’ve noticed it getting worse since going up on my pain medications”
“My sex drive is a lot lower since being on opioids.”
Starting the conversation can be hard. But remember, you’re not the only one going through this. Your care team may have special ideas to help.
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