Is low libido a common symptom of stomach cancer?

Low libido (low sexual desire) is not considered a typical or primary symptom of stomach (gastric) cancer, which more commonly causes indigestion, upper‑abdominal pain, early fullness, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, or black stools. ^[1] Stomach cancer symptoms often don’t appear early, and when they do, they usually involve digestive and energy changes rather than sexual desire. ^[2] Typical symptom lists for stomach cancer focus on abdominal discomfort, appetite changes, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, and fatigue, not low libido. ^{[3] [4]} In advanced stages, people may feel very tired and lose weight without trying, which can indirectly reduce sexual desire. ^[5]

Why libido can drop during cancer and its treatment

• Physical fatigue and weakness: Cancer‑related fatigue is common and can be driven by the disease itself, treatments, poor sleep, pain, anemia, and nutrition issues, which often reduce sexual interest. ^[6]
• Appetite loss, weight loss, and poor nutrition: Stomach cancer commonly causes decreased appetite and weight loss, which can contribute to low energy and desire. ^{[1] [3]}
• Emotional stress, anxiety, and depression: The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can lower sexual interest and pleasure. ^{[7] [8]}
• Treatment side effects: Cancer treatments may cause body changes (scars, hair loss, pain, dryness, erectile difficulty) and hormonal shifts that affect arousal and desire. ^{[9] [10]}
• Hormonal changes and stress hormones: Stress responses and possible low testosterone in some people can further decrease libido. ^[11]
• Body image and relationship factors: Changes in appearance and comfort discussing sex with a partner can be barriers to sexual health recovery. ^{[8] [12]}

What’s typical for stomach cancer symptoms

• Common features include upper belly pain, indigestion/heartburn, early satiety, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, unintended weight loss, fatigue, and black stools, and these are used to guide evaluation. ^[1]
• Symptom onset can be late, which is why digestive complaints and weight changes get more attention than sexual symptoms. ^[2]
• Care teams may first investigate more common causes of these digestive symptoms and refer to specialists when needed. ^[4]

How low libido can be managed during cancer care

• Open communication and support: Talk with your care team and, if possible, a sexual health specialist to address physical and emotional barriers; professional support improves outcomes. ^{[8] [12]}
• Address fatigue and nutrition: Managing fatigue with better sleep, treatment of contributing conditions, and balanced nutrition can restore energy for intimacy. ^{[6] [13]}
• Gentle activity: Moderate exercise like walking or swimming may help improve stamina and reduce fatigue, supporting libido. ^[14]
• Symptom relief for treatment effects: Options include lubricants, moisturizers, and dilators for vaginal dryness or tightness, and medicines to help erections when appropriate. ^{[15] [9]}
• Emotional care: Managing stress, anxiety, and depression can improve desire; many people benefit from counseling focused on sexual health during or after treatment. ^{[7] [8]}
• Partner communication: Discuss preferences and comfort; improving communication often boosts sexual satisfaction and desire. ^[8]
• Gradual intimacy: Explore non‑intercourse intimacy, touch, and sensual connection to rebuild confidence and pleasure at a comfortable pace. ^[16]

When to seek medical advice

If low libido is persistent or distressing, it’s reasonable to ask your oncology team for a referral to sexual health services; they can screen for treatable contributors such as anemia, pain, sleep problems, depression, or low testosterone in appropriate cases. ^{[9] [11]} If you also have digestive symptoms like persistent upper‑abdominal pain, early fullness, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, black stools, or unexplained weight loss, you should report them promptly for evaluation. ^{[1] [5]}