Oncology
Sexual health and intimacy challenges are among the top three concerns cancer patients face, both during treatment and into the time of survivorship. Yet, these struggles are often overlooked or left unspoken. At Intimate Pathways, we want you to know that your concerns are valid, and our team is here to support you.
Your relationship matters. Cancer takes so much, but it doesn’t have to take away intimacy and connection, too. As experts in oncology sexual health, we are here to provide our expert guidance, compassionate care, and resources tailored to your journey, to help you and your partner navigate these changes together.
Intimate Pathways Will Walk Beside You on Your Oncology Journey
In the early stage of diagnosis and treatment, intimacy may be the last thing on your mind – which is completely understandable! However, caring for your sexual health along the way can make it easier to return to a sexually intimate relationship when you are ready, which may prevent anxiety or discomfort in the future. Intimate Pathways is ready to help.
We Tailor Treatments to Your Needs
Approximately 40-100% of cancer patients experience some form of sexual body/intimacy changes.
Everyone is affected differently, so our sexual health care and counseling are customized to you.
We Use Our Voice on Your Behalf
Intimate Pathways is actively involved in NIH-funded clinical research to study how cancer and cancer treatment affect sexual health.
This research helps providers better understand the needs of cancer survivors.
We Teach Other Providers How to Help
Our clinicians help oncology centers develop sustainable sexual health and wellness programs that meet (and exceed) industry guidelines.
This advances the quality of care for cancer patients across the country.
You Are Not Alone
Changes or dysfunction to the sexual body system is a common side effect of cancer treatments. You may experience:
- Premature menopause.
- Decrease or loss in sexual desire.
- Negative body image.
- Vulvovaginal dryness/itching.
- Painful intercourse.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Premature ejaculation.
- Bowel and/or bladder disturbance.
While many patients experience this, it is often not discussed. In fact, of the 80% of women with breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, bladder, or rectal cancer, 77% never receive sexual health care or intervention from their oncology team.
As professionals in oncology sexual health, Intimate Pathways is prepared to help you identify and implement the right interventions to support your health and empower confidence in your intimate relationship.
About Our Clinical Research
Intimate Pathways is collaborating with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute on a trial designed to support young breast cancer survivors through the sexual health challenges they face.
Get In Touch
Whether you are newly diagnosed or years into survivorship, Intimate Pathways is ready to provide our support and empower you to care for your body and relationships in the way that is best for your needs. To meet with a clinician or to learn more about our services, please reach out.