Having penile cancer does not mean the end of your sex life. The stage of penile cancer and the treatment you receive, will influence the effect on your sex life.

If disease is found and treated early, and only involves surgery to the skin, the impact on sex life can be minimal.

For men with more advanced disease, that requires more extensive surgery, there will initially be swelling and discomfort. After the wound has healed there may be scarring, and the penis may be shorter. If radiotherapy is needed, this can lead to skin changes and reduction in sensation.

These changes can alter the appearance and functioning of the penis, and this can be embarrassing and distressing.

• After localised surgery, you may still be able to have an erection and penetrative sex.
• A glansectomy or partial penectomy can cause shortening of the penis but erection and orgasm are still possible in some men.  
• After a total penectomy, you won’t be able to have an erection or penetrative sexual intercourse. However, there are ways to of gaining sexual pleasure without penetration.
• Fatigue caused by treatments such are radiotherapy or chemotherapy can lead to a reduction in libido (sex drive) which is temporary.

If you are having problems with penetrative sex, you can still enjoy an intimate relationship. Being intimate with someone involves being physically and emotionally close to them. It is possible to have an intimate relationship without penetration.

Talking to your partner so they can understand the changes to your body is important.

You can also talk to your doctor about your sexual concerns and ask to be referred to councillor or sex therapist.