Is low libido a common side effect of Melanoma treatment? How can it be managed?

Low libido (reduced sexual desire) can happen during or after cancer care, including melanoma treatment, and it’s relatively common because physical side effects and emotional stress both influence sexual interest. Emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, and body image changes, as well as fatigue or pain from treatment, can lessen interest and enjoyment in sex. ^[1] These changes are not unusual and often improve with targeted support and recovery over time. ^[2]

Why libido can drop during melanoma care

• Emotional stress and mood changes: Cancer and its treatments can increase stress, anxiety, and low mood, which commonly reduce sexual interest. ^[1] Feeling disoriented after treatment ends or when disease is stable is also reported, and this adjustment period can affect closeness and intimacy. ^[3]
• Physical side effects: Fatigue, pain, weakness, surgical scars, hair loss, and other treatment-related changes can reduce desire or make sex more difficult or less pleasurable. ^[2]
• Relationship and body image factors: Changes in appearance or function may alter how you see yourself and how you relate to a partner, which can lower libido. ^[1] Many survivors say their sexual life is affected even after treatment finishes due to combined physical and emotional changes. ^[4]
• Treatment type matters: Across cancers, lower interest in sex is frequently reported during or after therapy; the exact risk varies by the cancer type and treatments used. ^[5] For melanoma, modern therapies like immunotherapy and targeted therapy typically don’t directly suppress sex hormones, but the overall burden of treatment and symptoms can still lower desire. ^{[5] [1]}

Is it common?

• Loss of interest in sex during or after cancer care is common across cancer populations, driven by a mix of physical, emotional, and relationship factors rather than a single medication effect. ^[5] Many people understandably focus on survival first, and sexual health concerns often rise to the surface later in recovery. This pattern means libido issues may emerge or persist after treatment ends, and they deserve attention in follow‑up care. ^[6]

What you may feel or notice

• Lower interest in sex or difficulty with arousal, sometimes accompanied by fatigue, pain, or body image concerns. ^{[1] [2]}
• Changes in sexual function such as trouble with erections or vaginal dryness can make sex less comfortable, which can secondarily reduce desire. ^[2]
• Emotional and relationship strain, including fear, stress, or disconnection, which can compound libido issues. ^{[3] [4]}

Practical management strategies

Address physical symptoms

• Manage fatigue and pain: Gentle activity, good sleep routines, and symptom control can improve energy and comfort, supporting desire. ^[2]
• Treat sexual function issues: Moisturizers and lubricants for dryness, pelvic floor therapy, or medical treatments for erection problems can ease discomfort and improve confidence, which often helps desire. ^[2]

Support emotional health

• Normalize and talk about it: Recognizing that these changes are common reduces shame and pressure, making it easier to seek help and reconnect. ^[1] Many people benefit from education and counseling focused on sexuality during and after treatment. ^[6]
• Reduce stress and anxiety: Brief therapy, mindfulness, or medication for mood or anxiety (when appropriate) can improve overall wellbeing and libido. ^[1]

Strengthen intimacy and communication

• Focus on closeness, not performance: Start with non‑sexual touch, cuddling, or date nights to rebuild connection without pressure. ^[4]
• Communicate with your partner: Share feelings and preferences; practical planning around energy levels or side effects can make intimacy more satisfying. ^[4]

Professional help

• Talk with your oncology team or a sexual health specialist: They can screen for treatable causes (medications, pain, sleep problems, mood) and offer tailored solutions, including psychosexual therapy. Integrating sexual health into survivorship care is encouraged because concerns often arise later. ^[6]
• Use survivor resources: Many cancer centers offer dedicated sexual health education and counseling that explain changes and provide concrete tools to maintain intimacy during and after treatment. ^[1]

What to expect over time

• Libido often fluctuates during treatment and recovery, and improvement is common when physical symptoms settle, stress lowers, and couples rebuild communication. ^[1] Survivors frequently report changes but also find that targeted strategies help restore comfort and desire. ^[4]
• If concerns persist, ongoing support and management can make a meaningful difference in quality of life, and it’s worth bringing up at follow‑up visits. ^[6]