Sexuality, Intimacy & Menopause Program
Sexual dysfunction after cancer is common; however, sexual side effects often go untreated even after successful cancer treatment. The Sexuality and Intimacy Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital is the only program of its kind in the country. We help men and women who experience sexual dysfunction after cancer using a combination of medical and psychological care.
The collaboration between physicians treating men and women allows the practice to help couples as well as individuals, with an emphasis on relationships. We encourage couples to come to appointments together to discuss any intimate issues they would like to address.
Our Services
For Women
Many women have concerns related to intimacy and menopause because of cancer surgery or treatment. Our physicians consult with patients to address the difficult physical and emotional aspects of cancer care and treatment, and to create a personalized care plan for each patient.
We have developed a unique focus on menopause management for cancer survivors and “previvors,” healthy women who have their breasts or ovaries removed because of a genetic risk of developing cancer.
We care for women who experience:
- Changes in sexual function as a result of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery for cancer
- Menopause symptoms as a side effect of their cancer treatment
- Early menopause or sexual changes after surgery for cancer risk reduction
For Men
In men, prostate cancer and bladder cancer treatments are most likely to affect sexuality. Cancer and its treatments can limit male fertility. Our physicians work with patients and their physicians to help minimize these effects, reclaim their sex lives after cancer, and preserve male fertility. When medical treatments prove ineffective, we can offer safe and effective ways to restore sexual function.
We offer the following care for men:
- Penile implants for erectile dysfunction
- Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease
- Sperm retrieval and other treatment for male infertility
- Male fertility preservation
- Penile rehabilitation for prostate and bladder cancers
- Treatment for low testosterone
