Navigating sexual health after a major surgery or a significant illness often brings challenges that impact various parts of your life, including how to be intimate with your partner. So, how do you navigate your sexual health post major surgery or illness?
It’s essential to recognize that changes in sexual function and desire are common during recovery. This guide provides comprehensive insights into managing and understanding your sex life post surgery or illness, offering practical steps towards reclaiming your sexual health.
Considerations Post Surgery on How Your Sexual Health May Be Affected
First, let’s dive into some considerations post surgery that you should know to determine how your sexual health may be impacted at this time. We’re going to look at the physical, psychological, intimacy/communication impacts. We will also look at the impacts of medication and treatment side effects.
Physical and Psychological Impacts
Major surgeries or illnesses can lead to both physical and psychological changes affecting sexual health. In fact, research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine focused on men who underwent prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) and found that sexual function, particularly erectile function, often declines. This can lead to challenges in maintaining sexual intimacy with your partner, but this doesn’t mean you can’t work on this. Psychological support and rehabilitation were highlighted as essential in helping couples adapt to these changes.
Remember understanding these effects on your body is the first step in addressing them.
Physical changes post surgery might include the following:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain during intercourse
- Loss of erectile function
Psychological impacts post surgery could involve:
- Anxiety – especially around sexual performance
- Depression
- Body image issues
- Loss of identity
- Emotional distance
Intimacy and Communication Impacts
You may feel hesitant to be intimate or talk about what’s coming up for you post surgery/illness when it comes to your sex life. This is common and do remember that communication with your partner is key to rebuilding intimacy after a major health event.
Openly discussing your feelings, fears, and expectations can strengthen your relationship and improve sexual satisfaction. This involves acknowledging changes in your body and desires, and being patient and understanding with each other’s needs.
Here are some tips on how to communicate with your partner post surgery when being intimate:
- Be honest
- Share how you’re feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically
- Ask for patience and more support if needed
- Don’t be afraid to seek out additional support from a therapist, physical therapist, or sex therapist if needed
Medication and Treatment Side Effects
Medications and treatments for various health conditions often have side effects that can affect sexual function. It’s important to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider and explore alternatives or solutions to mitigate them. Your healthcare provider can advise on managing these effects while maintaining your overall health.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Sexual Health Post-Surgery/Illness
Lifestyle adjustments for sexual health post-surgery/illness are key to healing and improving your sex life. Incorporating regular exercise, eating healthy food, learning and practicing stress management techniques, and quitting smoking can significantly improve sexual function and overall well-being. These lifestyle changes not only aid in recovery but also enhance your quality of life overall.
Seeking Professional Guidance Post Surgery to Improve Your Sexual Health and Wellbeing
Consulting healthcare professionals, such as your primary care physician, a therapist, or a sexologist is crucial. They can offer tailored advice giving the best treatment options, and support systems suited to your specific situation.
Professional guidance ensures that your path to recovery is both medically sound and psychologically supportive.
Useful Tips for Enhancing Sexual Health Post-Recovery
Here are some helpful tips on how to enhance your sexual health post-recovery. Remember to tailor these tips to your lifestyle and be open and honest with your partner during this time.
1. Prioritize Open Communication with Your Partner
Remember to communicate openly with your partner about your recovery period and the type of additional support you might need during this time. Consult with a therapist or healthcare practitioner if you need to and remember to take it slow.
2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity to Improve Your Stamina and Mood
Consult with your healthcare practitioner to see when you can begin to start exercising again. Aim to engage in regular physical activity, which increases dopamine levels in the brain. This can also reduce stress and depression.
3. Follow a Nutritious Diet to Boost Your Overall Health and Energy Levels
Eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods to regulate your blood sugar and overall energy levels throughout the day. As diet can play a role in erectile dysfunction (ED) because blood flow is such a factor, make sure you’re doing your best to eat well.
4. Manage Stress Through Mindfulness, Meditation, or Counseling
Manage your stress levels by engaging in mindfulness practices, such as yoga or meditation. If you need to speak to a therapist about this transition in your life, know that’s totally normal and encouraged at any time in your life when you’re navigating something new.
5. Stay Informed About Your Medications and Their Impact on Sexual Health
Be sure to ask your healthcare practitioner about any medication you may be taking and whether it will impact your sexual healh and performance.
If you’d like also see if you can take ED medication while on your current medication as well.
ED Post-Surgery: What to Know
When dealing with erectile dysfunction post-surgery or illness, many turn to medications like Sildenafil or Tadalafil for assistance. In Canada, Sildenafil or Tadalafil are available as prescription medications from pharmacies.
Be aware as there is a number of counterfeit medication offered online from non-reputable sources. Rocky offers a secure platform for purchasing Sildenafil and/or Tadalafil online, shipped to you across Canada from our OCP-accredited pharmacy. Our team ensures that you receive Health-Canada approved medication, alongside comprehensive guidance on usage and health considerations.
Rocky’s Commitment to Your Sexual Health Journey
At Rocky, we understand the complexities of navigating sexual health after major surgery or illness. Our dedicated team offers not just products like Sildenafil and Tadalafil, but also support and resources to help you on your journey to recovery and well-being. Trust Rocky for a holistic approach to sexual health, where your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
