If you're struggling to find what you need, call our Support line on 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. Not in the strictest sense of the word. Anal cancer, cervical cancer, vulval cancer, penis cancer and some mouth cancers are more likely to occur in people who have the human papilloma virus HPV.
This is transmitted through sexual contact. Some types of HPV are known to increase the risk of developing particular cancers. These are known as high-risk HPVs. The types most often associated with cancer are types 16 and There are many factors other than the virus that can increase the risk of developing cancer, such as:. These factors can influence whether or not infection with a virus will affect the development of a cancer.
In fact, sex and all the love and caring that goes with it can be helpful for people with cancer. Many people feel depressed, unlovable, guilty or afraid when they have cancer or are having treatment. Affection and acceptance from a partner can make a big difference. Be flexible about the time of day you have sex.
Experiment with less demanding sexual positions. This will vary greatly depending on the sort of operation you had and how quickly you are healing. Your surgeon or specialist nurse can give you more information. If you have sex within the first couple of days of having chemotherapy, you need to use a condom. This is to protect your partner in case there is any chemotherapy in sexual fluids.
Using barrier contraception removes any potential risks. This reduces the risk that the chemicals could be absorbed and harm the developing baby. Many doctors recommend not trying for up to a year after treatment, as this is the time when the cancer is most likely to come back. This will depend a lot on which part of the body is affected.
