Is low libido a common side effect of stomach cancer treatment?

Low libido can occur after cancer treatment, and while data are strongest in breast, gynecologic, and pelvic cancers, many survivors across cancer types report decreased sexual desire due to physical, hormonal, and emotional changes from therapy. ^[1] Lowered interest in sex during or after cancer care is common and can stem from fatigue, pain, body changes, and treatment side effects. ^[2] Cancer treatments may also affect arousal (the body’s physical response), which can indirectly reduce desire. ^[3]

Why libido can drop after treatment

• Physical side effects: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause fatigue, pain, neuropathy, and changes in body sensitivity, all of which can reduce desire. ^[4] Changes in arousal like vaginal dryness or erectile difficulties make sexual activity uncomfortable and can lead to lower interest. ^[5]
• Hormonal changes: Some chemotherapies and treatments can trigger menopause or lower testosterone, leading to vaginal dryness, decreased arousal, erectile issues, and reduced libido. ^[6] Men can experience low testosterone after intensive treatments, contributing to loss of libido. ^[7] Stress hormones during cancer care also disrupt sexual desire. ^[8]
• Emotional factors: Anxiety, depression, stress, and changes in body image after cancer can strongly impact sexual interest and enjoyment. ^[9] Psychological and relationship barriers are common and benefit from supportive care. ^[10]

Although stomach (gastric) cancer treatments are not typically directed at pelvic organs, the general mechanisms above still apply: systemic therapies and the cancer experience can affect desire, comfort, and arousal across many survivors. ^[11]

How common is it?

Survivorship programs report that sexual concerns including decreased libido are frequent after cancer treatment across multiple cancer types. ^[1] Surveys of women after cancer care show that about half report loss of libido alongside dryness and discomfort, underscoring how common these issues are. ^[12] Improving dryness and comfort often helps desire and arousal, showing that addressing physical symptoms can improve libido. ^[13]

Evidence-based ways to manage low libido

Optimize physical comfort

• Address pain and dryness: For vulvovaginal dryness, regular use of nonhormonal moisturizers and lubricants can improve comfort, which in turn helps desire. ^[13] If erectile difficulties are present, first-line therapies (PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil, tadalafil) can improve arousal and overall sexual satisfaction when appropriate. ^[14]
• Manage fatigue and neuropathy: Plan intimacy for times of higher energy, consider gentle activity to boost stamina, and adapt positions or pacing to reduce discomfort. ^[4]

Evaluate hormones and medications

• Check for treatment-related menopause or low testosterone: Clinicians can assess hormones when symptoms suggest abrupt menopause or androgen deficiency, as these are linked with low libido. ^[6] In men with documented low testosterone after intensive treatments, medical therapy may be considered by a specialist. ^[7]
• Review current medications: Some drugs used during survivorship can affect sexual function; adjusting them may help when safe and feasible. ^[7]

Psychological and relationship support

• Counseling and sex therapy: Stress, anxiety, and depression are common and can lower desire; structured support improves communication, reduces barriers, and enhances sexual health. ^[15] Open partner communication guided by a professional often improves success. ^[10]
• Specialized sexual health programs: Multidisciplinary teams (urology, gynecology, psychology, sexual therapy) provide tailored strategies for cancer-related sexual concerns. ^[16] Research-based interventions have been shown to improve sexual function and quality of life for survivors. ^[17]

Practical strategies you can try now

• Start with comfort: Use lubricants and moisturizers to reduce discomfort; when sex is more comfortable, desire often follows. ^[13]
• Gradual re-engagement: Explore non-penetrative intimacy, sensual touch, and low-pressure closeness to rebuild confidence and arousal. ^[18]
• Body image and confidence: Gentle exercise, mindfulness, and self-compassion practices can help you reconnect with your body and desire. ^[15]
• Structured timing: Plan intimate moments when fatigue and treatment side effects are least intense to improve the experience. ^[4]

When to seek medical help

• Persistent loss of libido with distress: A survivorship or sexual health clinic can evaluate physical, hormonal, and emotional contributors and create a personalized plan. ^[16]
• Painful sex, severe dryness, or erectile problems: These are treatable; improving comfort and arousal typically helps desire. ^[13] A clinician can offer targeted therapies, devices, or medications when appropriate. ^[14]
• Significant anxiety or depression: Early psychological support is important and often improves overall sexual wellbeing. ^[15]

Key takeaways

• Low libido after cancer treatment is common and multifactorial, involving physical, hormonal, and emotional components. ^{[1] [2]}
• Improving comfort (arousal) often improves desire, so treating dryness or erectile issues is a practical first step. ^{[13] [5]}
• Comprehensive care medical, psychological, and relational offers the best outcomes, and specialized programs are available for survivors. ^{[16] [17]}