How chemotherapy can affect women's sexual health - and what can help

Managing side effects can help you maintain your overall sense of well-being during a challenging time.

April 14, 2026

By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Reviewed by Katharine Esselen, MD, Contributor

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A mature woman holds a hand to her chest while describing symptoms; her husband sits next to her, listening and looking at her.

Chemotherapy side effects can include far more than the typical fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Chemotherapy drugs can cause wide-ranging effects on the body, including diminished hormone levels that spur physical changes in the vagina and vulva and color how you feel about intimacy.

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About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is the executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website. … See Full Bio

View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

Katharine Esselen, MD, Contributor

Dr. Kate Esselen is a gynecologic oncologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School. She earned a biology degree with honors … See Full Bio

View all posts by Katharine Esselen, MD

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