Living with bladder cancer can affect many parts of a person’s life, including sexuality, sexual activity, and personal relationships. Research shows that bladder cancer treatments can cause changes in a person’s sex life. These changes may lower quality of life for both patients and their partners. This can be especially hard for people who have had long term sexual relationships and have certain expectations.

Men and women may experience different changes. These may include changes to self esteem, interest in sex, ability to have an orgasm, or changes in how the body responds. For example, men may notice changes in erections or ejaculation. Women may notice the vagina feels shorter or drier, which can affect sex. To help with these changes, patients and their partners may need to adjust their expectations and find new ways to connect sexually.

We offer a group education session for male patients and their partners. This session is for people who are newly diagnosed or recently treated for bladder cancer. It is one hour presentation and is led by Sexual Health Nurse who specialize in sexual health and chronic illness. In this session, you can learn about ways to manage sexual side effects and ask questions.

As part of the program, patients can also book a private appointment with a Sexual Health Nurse, alone or with a partner, to create a personal plan for sexual health after treatment. Female patients are referred to a gynecologist who has special training in sexual health.

The Education Session is designed to:

• Add to one’s current understanding of sexual health and sexuality.
• Inform you about the possible sexual changes caused by bladder cancer treatments.
• Begin to review the efficacy, pros, and cons of various management options for sexual changes in a positive way.

To book an appointment with the Sexual Health Nurse, a referral form is required. Please download the form here and ask your treating physician to complete it.

A separate program is offered for female patients with bladder cancer and is offered in collaboration with the BC Cancer Gynecologic Oncology group and Sexual Medicine & Menopause Clinic. This includes an initial medical appointment with a specialist gynecologist (in person or telehealth alternatives available). Once again, a referral form is required.

Upcoming Session Dates

Click here for a list of upcoming sessions