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Does radiation affect sexuality?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from Corgi Lab: Does radiation therapy have any effects on sexuality, like chemo does?
Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Radiation therapy directed to the breast does cause some breast changes like breast swelling and redness of the skin. It has no effect on your hormone levels. However, if your breast is irritated, or uncomfortable, you probably don't want it touched, and this can have at least a temporary effect on your sex life.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy and Sexuality. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affect your sex life.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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