Sexual Healthcare

Sex therapy is specialized talk therapy focused on sexual health, intimacy and relationships. At Tufts Medicine, care is provided by a clinician certified by the American Association of Sexual Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Therapy may help with pain with sex, low libido, orgasm difficulties, erectile or ejaculation concerns, trauma, communication and changes in sexual self-image.

Appointments are confidential and may include individual or couples support. Both in-person and telehealth visits are available when appropriate.

Cancer treatment can affect sexual health in many ways. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy may lead to vaginal dryness, pain with sex, changes in desire, erectile dysfunction, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, early menopause or changes in body image.

Our team helps patients address these concerns during treatment and survivorship. We partner with your oncology care team to support comfort, function, intimacy and quality of life.
 

Vaginal dilator therapy uses smooth, graduated dilators to gently stretch vaginal tissue and help reduce pain or discomfort with penetration. It may be recommended after cancer treatment, during menopause, for vaginismus or for other conditions that affect vaginal comfort.

Your care team will explain how to use dilators safely and comfortably. The goal is to help your body gradually build comfort, confidence and trust over time.

Vaginal dryness and discomfort can happen because of cancer treatment, menopause, hormonal changes, aging, breastfeeding or certain medications. These changes can affect everyday comfort as well as sexual activity.

Treatment may include vaginal moisturizers, lubricants or other options based on your symptoms and medical history. Our team will help you choose an approach that feels right for you.

Medical diagnoses, treatment and physical changes can affect intimacy and relationships. We offer support for individuals and couples navigating the emotional and physical parts of sexual health, helping partners communicate, adapt and reconnect.

Our sexual health specialist also works with Tufts Medicine Urology to care for men with sexual health concerns, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and sexual changes related to prostate cancer treatment or prostate surgery.

If you are referred through Urology, you may wonder why your visit is connected with an Obstetrics and Gynecology department. Sexual health therapy is a specialized service that supports patients across departments. No matter how you come to us, you will receive focused, confidential care in a comfortable and respectful setting.

Sexual healthcare addresses the physical, emotional and relationship-related parts of sexual function and intimacy. It is for anyone experiencing pain during sex, changes in desire or function, concerns after medical treatment, intimacy challenges or changes in sexual self-image. You do not need a cancer diagnosis to seek care.

Yes. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy can affect sexual health, comfort and body image. These treatments may cause vaginal dryness, pain with sex, changes in libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty with arousal or orgasm or early menopause. Our team specializes in helping patients manage these concerns as part of cancer care and survivorship.

Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during or after sex or vaginal penetration. It can be caused by vaginal dryness, tissue changes after cancer treatment, hormonal changes, vaginismus, pelvic pain or other conditions. It is common and treatable, and our team can help identify what may be causing your pain.

Sex therapy is specialized talk therapy focused on sexual health, intimacy and relationships. There is no physical contact involved. Sessions may focus on education, communication, mindfulness, coping strategies and evidence-based techniques to support concerns such as low libido, pain, trauma and intimacy challenges.

Vaginal dilators are smooth, graduated tools used to gently stretch vaginal tissue and help reduce discomfort with penetration. They may be recommended after cancer treatment, for vaginismus or for menopause-related vaginal changes. Your care team will show you how to use them safely and comfortably.

Vaginal moisturizers are used regularly to help restore and maintain moisture in vaginal tissue. Lubricants are used during sexual activity to reduce friction and improve comfort in the moment. Your care team can help you decide which products or treatments may work best for you.

We understand this may feel unexpected. Our sexual health specialist works across Tufts Medicine departments, including Urology. The Division of Gynecologic Oncology is the home base for this service, but it does not define who we care for. Men are often referred for concerns related to prostate cancer treatment, prostate surgery, erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

You can contact our team directly to schedule an appointment. If you are already receiving care at Tufts Medicine, your care team may also refer you through Gynecologic Oncology, Urology, Pelvic Pain or another specialty.

Yes. Both in-person and telehealth visits are available for sexual healthcare when clinically appropriate.

Coverage varies by insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your benefits. Our team can also help answer questions about what to expect.