My Sexual & Reproductive Health

Everyone’s experience with health changes and conditions is unique, so the impact on your sexual health may vary. Medical research is increasingly focusing on how health conditions, medications, and treatment options may impact sexual and reproductive functioning and health. It is important to ask questions and seek answers to make your own informed decisions.

Understanding the Impact on Your Sexual Health

Consider asking yourself some of the following self-reflective questions to better understand your sexual and reproductive health. How you decide to express or share this information is up to you. Ensure you seek professional guidance for any questions below that evoke concern.

• What pronouns and gender do you identify with and what is your sexual orientation? Are you comfortable sharing this information with your health care professionals and caregivers?
• How do your health conditions, medications, or treatments affect your sexual health and functioning?
• What symptoms or side effects impact your sexual desire such as fatigue, chronic pain, or hormonal changes?
• What symptoms or side effects impact your sexual functioning such as reduced libido, dryness, or dysfunction?
• How have changes in your appearance such as weight gain/ loss, hair loss, scarring, or skin changes impacted your body image? What other changes might you experience in the future?
• Are there alternative medications and treatment options with fewer sexual health side effects?
• Do you need to change your birth control method or take further precautions if your condition is sexually transmitted?
• What safer sex practices are most appropriate to the level of risk in your sexual behaviours to protect the health of yourself and your partner(s)? 
• Are you experiencing emotional health changes due to the changes in your sexual health?
• Add any changes or sexual health issues to your Health Profile.

Exploring Options for Guidance & Support

• Ask for a referral to a specialist for sexual and reproductive issues related to your health condition for specific and current information and recommendations.
• Ask how your health conditions, medications, or treatments might affect your sexual functioning and experiences.
• Look into sexual rehabilitation programs if your sexual health has been impacted by your health condition, treatments, or an injury.
• Know that a sexual health assessment may also include questions about emotional health such as past trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues.
• Explore activities and therapies that can enhance your sexual health such as daily physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and communicating openly with partners.
• Seek out education on safe sex practices, consent, communication with partners, and sexual rights. They may also offer referrals to counselling or other specialists if needed.
• Learn about sexual health programs, services, and websites in the resource kit.

Screening self-exams and tests are an important part of your sexual health and overall well-being. Some health conditions, medications or treatment options can put a person at greater risk of being diagnosed with a secondary health condition. Your physician or health care professionals may suggest you have specific regular screening tests. As a partner in your health care, it is your responsibility to ensure these tests or exams are completed as recommended.

Tracking Your Sexual Health History & Screening

• Talk with your physician or health care professionals to determine which screening tests are appropriate for your age, sex, and health needs.
• Learn about annual screening tests such as mammogram, testicular, prostate, and cervical exams, how these tests are completed, by whom, and how often.
• Include your history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – name, year, symptoms, and treatment.
• Know how often you should be tested for STIs based on your sexual activities.
• Use your health calendar to track the dates for your recommended health screening tests.

Personal safety in relationships for individuals with chronic health issues or disabilities may differ and require open discussion and information. Being proactive about these factors can help ensure a healthier, more fulfilling relationship while prioritizing your safety and well-being.

Focusing on Safety in Relationships

• Try to be open with your partner in discussions about your health condition, needs, and personal boundaries to ensure mutual understanding and respect.
• Talk about how chronic pain, fatigue, or other symptoms may affect intimacy and be flexible in adjusting activities to match your energy levels.
• Reflect on how your comfort level with intimacy may have changed due to alterations in your appearance, surgeries, in-place pumps/devices, or other physical changes.
• Practice safe sex by using contraception and protective measures, especially if there are concerns about transmission of infections or disease.
• Ensure the environment is comfortable and accessible, including adjusting positions or using aids that support your physical needs.
• Be aware of any side effects from medications that may affect sexual function or desire and talk about other options for intimacy.
• Seek counselling or support for yourself or with your partner for suggestions on how to cope with your physical changes and emotional needs.
• Advocate for your needs and rights within the relationship, ensuring your autonomy and safety in all aspects of intimacy.
• Keep track of how your condition may change over time, and regularly check in with your partner to discuss any adjustments in your relationship or sexual activities.
• Ensure ongoing, mutual consent is present, and understand that it is okay to change your mind or stop at any time.

Chronic health conditions, medications and treatments may create reproductive challenges, such as hormonal imbalances, infertility, risk to fetal development and/or sexual dysfunction. These issues can affect fertility, sexual health, and pregnancy, so it is recommended that you plan ahead and seek accurate information and treatment early.

Understanding Your Options for Reproductive Health

• Ask for a referral to a specialist for sexual and reproductive issues related to your health condition for specific and current information and recommendations.
• Ask how your health conditions, medications, or treatments might affect your future fertility.
• Plan ahead and ask about the safety of your medications and treatments during pregnancy and what medication changes can be made before, during and after your pregnancy, if needed.
• Revisit your prognosis and possible progression of your condition and how it may impact your overall health and ability to raise a child.
• Explore questions about ovulation, sperm production, egg implantation, and pregnancy.
• Explore fertility preservation options like egg freezing and sperm banking before starting treatment.
• Learn if your health condition is hereditary and can be passed on to your offspring and if genetic counselling is recommended.
• Explore ways to deal with your grief and loss if you are unable to have children due to your health. Consider support groups, counselling and/or connecting with others who have experienced similar loss.
• Take notes on all your findings, update your health profile, and keep your research in your Mywell Health digital or print files.