Sex life
Although not everyone diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) will be sexually active or necessarily in a relationship at the time, for those who are, the diagnosis can have a profound effect on how they feel about personal relationships. People can often feel different about themselves simply as a result of having the disease, and feel they are consequently less attractive to their partner. The shock of the diagnosis and the adjustments you may have to make to your life can affect the balance of your relationship with your partner.
Sometimes, treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may make you feel too tired to even think about being intimate with your partner. Although everyone reacts to the diagnosis and treatment of NHL differently, it is more than likely that you will go through a period when you are less interested in a sexual relationship than you are normally. This can put strain on relationships, especially if the source of the change in sexual activity is not recognized.
As you move into remission and your general health improves, you may find that your sex life begins to return to normal.
People often find sexual relationships a difficult topic to discuss, particularly during times of stress, and it is not unusual to feel like you are the only one who is suffering problems. It is therefore important that you discuss any questions or problems you may have with your doctor or healthcare team. These feelings are quite normal and there are many ways of learning to cope with them.
Doctors and nurses might not always speak to their patients about the possible effects of NHL and its treatment on sexual activity, as many people might not need or want to discuss the subject with them. However, they are trained to deal with such questions and will understand if you have any concerns. Even if they are not able to answer your questions straight away, they can either arrange a separate time to talk or may recommend that you contact a specialist counsellor.
Confidential helplines can also be a useful way of discussing problems that you feel too embarrassed to ask about during a visit to the hospital. Speaking to a trained counsellor on a helpline may help you realise that your concerns are valid and need to be dealt with. This may then help you feel comfortable enough to ask the same questions at your next appointment.
Speaking to people who have been in the same situation as you can also really help. There are several patient support groups for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, where you can get in touch with people who have been through the same things. These groups may also be able to put you in contact with special counselling services in your local area.