Sexuality is an important part of your overall well-being and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Do not be concerned about bringing up the topic of sexuality to your healthcare provider. There may be some safety precautions necessary if your blood counts are low to prevent infection or bleeding.

Questions you should ask your health care provider:

1. How can MDS or the side effects of treatment affect my sexual activity?
2. Describe any changes in your sexual function.
3. What could be causing the change in my sexual ability?
4. Are there any precautions I need to take while on treatment?
5. Decreased sexual drive: not wanting sex
6. Dryness with intercourse: vaginal dryness
7. Fear of sexual contact: scared to be touched
8. Lack of erection: unable to obtain or maintain penis fullness during sex
9. Lack of orgasm: lack of complete satisfaction
10. Pain with intercourse: pain that occurs during sexual activity
11. What referral might be helpful in addressing my sexuality and intimacy concerns?

Additional Resources:

MDS Foundation:  multisite-demo.com      www.BuildingBlocksofHope.com

Cancer.net: Sexual health http://cancer.net/blog/2017-03/your-sexual-health-and-cancer-what-know-what-do

Oncolink: Women’s guide to sexuality  https://www.oncolink.org/support/sexuality-fertility/sexuality/women-s-guide-to-sexuality-during-after-cancer-treatment

Oncolink: Men’s guide to Sexuality https://www.oncolink.org/support/sexuality-fertility/sexuality/men-s-guide-to-sexuality-during-after-cancer-treatment