Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry to read about your situation. It sounds like you've been through an incredibly tough time and I can only imagine how challenging it must be for both you and your husband.

It is not known for sure whether chemotherapy drugs can be passed on through semen or vaginal secretions. But in case they might, the general advice is to use a barrier method (such as condoms) if having sex during treatment. This applies to vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Generally, doctors advise a barrier method only for the time you are actually having the treatment and for about a week after your treatment. Since you finished your chemotherapy treatment in October, it's should be okay to have unprotected sex again. 

You and your husband clearly love each other but you both may be struggling with how to approach intimacy now. Your husband might be scared of hurting you or unsure of how to handle the changes. It's always best if you can to have an open conversation with him about it. Sometimes just acknowledging these feelings can help break the tension.

You may also find Bowel Cancer UK's information on body image and sex helpful to read.

I hope this is of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. 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.

Kind regards,

Celene