Often patients are not sure what to expect from their doctor or nurse when talking about sexual health or fertility during cancer treatment. Even healthcare providers in oncology sometimes do not know much about sex or fertility after cancer. If your doctor or nurse seems uncomfortable or dismisses your concerns, ask to see a specialist. This could be a mental health professional trained to treat sexual problems or a urologist or gynecologist with such training.

For more information about sexuality and cancer, you may call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service toll free at (800) 422-6237. A trained cancer information specialist will answer your questions.

Classes to improve your appearance during cancer treatment are available to help you look good and feel better. Contact the American Cancer Society toll-free at (866)-228-4327 to find out about classes near you.

More information on sexuality and cancer is available at these websites recommended by the U.S. News & World Report Library:

National Cancer Institute: Sexuality and Reproductive Issues

The site addresses the effect cancer and cancer treatment can have on all aspects of an individual's sexuality, including sexual desire and physical and psychological sexual dysfunction.

American Cancer Society: Sexuality

The website covers side effects of different treatments that affect an individual's sex life and ways to relieve some common problems. It also links to Web pages that address this issue and men and women separately.

Lance Armstrong Foundation: Physical Effects of Cancer

Provides links to different physical effects, including sexual dysfunction in men and women and fertility.

Cancerbackup: Sexuality and cancer

From the United Kingdom, an information and referral service for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. The following link provides information on aspects of sexuality and cancer.

Fertile Hope

Nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients who are faced with infertility. Provides links to resources, including financial assistance for treatment.

United Ostomy Associates of America

Organization offers guidebooks and fact sheets about having sex for those with an ostomy.