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Old Dog, New Tricks?

Prostate cancer treatments can have major implications for your sexual health, beyond ED and other physical issues. The mental and emotional impact of the immediate loss of sexual activity, the absence of sexual thoughts, and changed notions of masculinity can combine to decrease feelings of self-worth.

Here’s my question – does it have to be like this? In a word, no! Here are a few tips that may help enhance intimacy with your partner and may help you begin to feel more comfortable sexually as you experience changes.

Communicate with your partner(s)

Talking with your partner about your sexual concerns is extremely important. Look at it this way: If they have stayed by your side through your treatments, I would dare to say they would stay with you as you heal. Truth be told, they probably want to help but don't know what to do.

So, I think it's a great idea to include them in your sex therapy sessions. It is important for them to be on the same page as you and also understand how your treatments will affect their sexuality as well.

Plus, while in therapy, I hope you will feel safe enough to share your deepest concern in front of your lover. Laying everything on the table could be a good way for true healing to begin.

Different perspective

You may have to learn a new concept around sex and sexuality. What I mean is you may have to learn to be less penis focused and more body focused.

Personally, I think this society is doing a disservice to men by mainly focusing on penile pleasure and tying it to manhood, masculinity, and self-esteem. There are plenty of sexual avenues to learn and explore that are not related to the penis. You and your partner can still be sexual and experience various types of pleasure and even orgasm.

Options

So, I am going to say expand your horizons a bit. You survived cancer and now you are healing and fighting to live. So let's expand your sexual repertoire. You may not be comfortable doing everything, but try some new things.

Give some good head, and use your mouth on your partner. Buy and try out sex toys. Taste various parts of your partner’s body. Cuddle. Learn to give erotic massages. Kiss them from head to toe. 69? Lick them, taste them.

The point here is to also focus on intimacy, not just sex acts. Every day, notice something new about your partner. Shower together. Hold each other. Say I love you. Hold hands. What else can you think of on your own?

Your spouse or partner may feel closer to you than ever and may be more sexually satisfied than ever. Also, by satisfying your partner sexuality, you might see a boost to your masculinity and self-esteem, right? I would think so, and you won’t be using your penis to do it. I call this “Selfless Sex.”

As I bring this article to a close, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read this. I will expand on the sexual “options” and “Selfless Sex” in future articles. Good day, and better nights.

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The ProstateCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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