Sexual Health Program for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Sharon Bober, PhD, Director of the Sexual Health Program
Both during and after cancer treatment, you may notice physical and emotional changes in the way you feel about your body and about sex. This is a common reaction to treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. You may also feel uncomfortable talking to your doctor or your partner about these changes.
At Dana-Farber, we believe all patients should have access to straightforward information about the ways cancer can affect sexuality, and we offer private, compassionate counseling to help you cope with these changes and find solutions.
Dana-Farber's Sexual Health Program is committed to addressing patients' concerns about sexual health as an integral part of their care, from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship. The program provides education, consultation, and personalized rehabilitation counseling for patients and their partners who have experienced changes in sexual health during and after cancer treatment.
Our Services
The Sexual Health Program provides services for women and men, individuals and couples. The program is open to all Dana-Farber patients, as well as patients from other hospitals. Our services include:
- Sexual rehabilitation counseling for individuals and couples, including coping with menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction, discomfort during intercourse, decreased desire, and changes in body image
- Coping with infertility-related distress
- Educational workshops
- Opportunities to get involved with clinical research programs
Clinicians in the Sexual Health Program
Reflecting the approach of Dana-Farber's adult treatment centers, the Sexual Health Program delivers care using a team approach.
Patients may have appointments with:
- A psychologist specializing in sexual rehabilitation counseling for men, women and couples
- A gynecologist specializing in female sexual health
- A urologist with expertise in male sexual health
- An adult endocrinologist who focuses on hormonal changes after cancer treatment
- A reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in fertility issues after cancer
- A fertility expert specializing in fertility and reproductive health during and after cancer treatment
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (617) 632-4523 or e-mail sexualhealthprogram@dfci.harvard.edu.
