Safety of sexual intimacy with chemo patient spouse
My husband has been undergoing chemotherapy. Being unaware of the dos and don’ts with regards to avoiding bodily fluid contact with a chemo treatment receiving person, my husband and I do have sex regularly without protection.
I recently came across the journal about the risk of being in contact with body fluid of a chemo receiving person, it worries me if I would conceive from the recent sexual intercourse. Please advise how this would affect my health in either case of conceivi g or not.
Hi Yosha,
Thank you for your trust with the AlterHéros team. I’m really sorry that you and your husband are going through this. It makes sense that you’re concerned about the possible risks, and I’m glad you’re looking for information.
You’re right that some chemotherapy drugs can be present in bodily fluids, including semen, for a period of time after treatment. The level of risk depends on the specific drug your husband is receiving. In general, exposure to chemotherapy through bodily fluids can be minimal, but it’s still recommended to use protection such as condoms during and shortly after treatment to reduce any potential risk.
Regarding pregnancy, some chemo drugs can potentially affect sperm quality, and there may be risks associated with conception during treatment. If you think you might be pregnant, I strongly recommend reaching out to your doctor or a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your specific situation. They can give you more precise guidance based on your husband’s treatment and your health.
Please take care, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. You deserve to have clear and reassuring information. 💙
Mélo, student in sexology and intern for AlterHéros