Hello there and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about the treatment you had treatment for a head and neck cancer and the problems you are now experiencing.

Whilst the treatment you had for your type of cancer may not be directly linked to erectile issues, having cancer and cancer treatment often does affect a persons sex life. There is more information about this here.

Going through cancer treatment can be both physically and emotionally draining and this alone can affect a persons desire for sex or intimacy as well as sexual function. Some patients body image can be altered through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer that can also interfere with sex and intimacy.

Some chemotherapy agents can affect the nerves that stimulate an erection so this could also be a cause but this is often temporary and resolves after a short while, you can read more about this here.

As difficult as it may be to bring up I suggest you speak to your team about the issues you are having so they can address these and get you the support you need.

There are medications they could prescribe in the short term to help and some men also use pumps and other aids to help them achieve an erection so there are ways to address these problems. Sometimes counselling with a sex therapist can be offered and this can be either on your own or alongside your wife.

I hope this is helpful. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Naomi