Material changes to the body | I am still recovering from my operation 3 months ago. Also, I am still mildly incontinent and have erectile dysfunction (M, 54, hetero, prostate) |
Lack of interest on my part; tiredness; no feeling of arousal; no orgasm; vaginal dryness (W, 37, hetero, breast) | |
Removal of clitoris due to a radical vulvectomy (W, 61, hetero, gynecologic) | |
As a result of radiation treatment no erections, no fluid, plus even using Viagra. My penis is now quite small (M, 69, hetero, prostate) | |
I didn’t really realize the radiation would affect my sexuality until it happened. I don’t think anyone can tell you what the pain discomfort and exhaustion will do to you (W, 61, hetero, digestive/gastrointestinal) | |
A lack of testosterone and the natural aging process together, particularly the hormones, yeah, it does mean less sex (M, 77, hetero, prostate) | |
We still hug each other and have a sort of intimacy. But –we have sex about once a year I would think, it’s barely a part of our relationship anymore. I mean, that may have something to do with getting older, I am 60 (M, 60, gay, prostate) | |
Intrapsychic factors | No erection. FEAR (M, 59, hetero, prostate) |
Confidence and self-esteem (W, 35, hetero, breast) | |
I just don’t want to have her touch me because I don’t feel I deserve it or feel worthwhile (W, 45, lesbian, breast) | |
I think there is a fear. I feel uncertain about sex (W, 50, hetero, gynecologic) | |
Too stressed – I would rather sleep/read a book and be on my own for ‘me’ time. Now sex is a chore/duty (W, 44, hetero, skin) | |
Prior to cancer and that we had good sex I think and a lot of digital pre-sex with lubricant and that, which did arouse her because otherwise she was slow to arouse… but of recent times, no. It was depression and lack of confidence and to a lesser extent, a lack of libido (M, 77, hetero, prostate). | |
When I went through chemotherapy and a lot of the treatments I was a bit depressed as well, so that depression also turns you off wanting sex (W, 49, hetero, ovarian) | |
Body image concerns | Due to the lack of body parts I feel less like a sexual being and more like a breathing blob and that contributes to the fact that I have no inclination to have sex. (W, 48, hetero, gynecologic) |
My body is grotesque so I do not want anyone to see or touch me (W, 50, hetero, breast) | |
I am hideous, my body is offensive and repulses me (W, 42, hetero, breast) | |
I’m too embarrassed to let my partner put his fingers inside me in case the surgical scars/changes disgust him; I also worry that it will be uncomfortable (W, 30, hetero, gynecologic) | |
you lose drive, you put on body fat, you lose muscle tone. Sexually you’re finished (M, 69, hetero, prostate) | |
Relationship context | |
Absence of partner support | I just don’t look forward to it and would rather go without these days. Some if this has to do with my feelings for my partner. I don’t feel looked after or supported by him (W, 45, hetero, digestive/gastrointestinal) |
I find since my wife has been reluctant to provide physical support as and when I would like it, this in its self has put a great strain on our sexual relationship. (M, 57, hetero, prostate) | |
I am stressed and therefore sex is the very last thing on my mind and the least thing I feel like - I would get more pleasure if my husband actually let me put my feet up - the last time I relaxed was when I was in bed for 3 days after my operation (W, 44, hetero, skin) | |
Absence of partner sexual interest | My partner won’t look at me or touch me (W, 46, hetero, breast) |
My husband has no interest in sex (W, 53, hetero, breast) | |
My partner considered that following surgery our sex life was finished and she does not wish to resume (M, 73, hetero, prostate) |