Sexual Health Information
Sexual Health Information for Cancer Patients
One of the most commonly cited life-disrupting, long-term side effects of cancer and its treatments are those associated with sexual dysfunction and fertility. Patients often struggle to get answers to questions such as:
- When it is safe to have sex?
- Will I ever feel like having sex again?
- How do I get help?
If you are around any of the Alberta Cancer Centres, you will see a series of printed information pamphlets that deal with the common sexual health related issues faced by cancer patients. Written by clinical psychologists Dr. Lauren Walker and Dr. John Robinson, and approved by the OASIS multi-disciplinary team, these booklets contain information on:
- Female Sexuality and Cancer (including vaginal health concerns)
- Male Sexuality and Cancer (including erectile dysfunction)
- Loss of Sexual Desire
- Fertility
These resources are also available online: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/HealthTopics/cancer-and-sexuality
Services at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre
- Sexual Health Consultation - Meet 1:1 with a consultant who can help answer your questions related to cancer and sexuality
- Lowdown on Down There Workshop- A one time, monthly workshop for women experiencing vaginal changes after cancer treatment who would like more information about how to manage these changes.
- Call: 403-355-3207 for more information about these resources.
OASIS - Oncology and Sexuality, Intimacy and Survivorship Program
A program dedicated to patient education as well as treatment of sexual difficulties often experienced as a result of treatment for cancer. The program was founded in Alberta at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Cross Cancer Institute by a team of multi-disciplinary health care professionals. We are dedicated to the provision of sexual health services for oncology patients in Alberta and to the education of health care providers. We are actively seeking funding to sustain the clinical program as well as research activities that fall under the umbrella of OASIS.
Services at the Prostate Cancer Centre
- The Prostate Cancer Centre offers services with regard to sexuality after prostate cancer treatment including a twice monthly educational workshop with a series of lectures by experts. These included presentations on: Exercise and cancer, Diet, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Psychosocial and Sexual Adaptation.
Counselling Services in the Community
- There are a number of sex therapists in the city, including my private practice: see drlaurenwalker.com for more info