Cancer, Chronic Illness & Intimacy: Resources

Curated by Sammy at Witness Therapy for attendees of CancerCon and anyone navigating sexuality, intimacy, and cancer.

Cancer treatment can change your body, your desire, your relationships, and your sense of self. You are not broken, and you are not alone. This page gathers products and resources that are widely recommended by oncology sexual health programs, pelvic floor physical therapists, and sex therapists — along with support for the people who love you.

Every product link below goes directly to the manufacturer, not a third-party seller. I have no financial relationship with any brand listed here.

A note before you start

The information on this page is for education and peer support only. It is not medical advice. Before starting a new lubricant, moisturizer, dilator, or intimate device — especially during active treatment or if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer — please check with your oncology team, gynecologist, or pelvic floor physical therapist. Some products that are fine for the general population (for example, those containing parabens, glycerin, warming ingredients, or DHEA) may not be appropriate during or after certain cancer treatments.

If something hurts, doesn't feel right, or introduces new symptoms, stop using it and contact your care team.

Lubricants

Water- or silicone-based lubricants are typically recommended. Avoid petroleum jelly, scented or warming lubricants, and products with parabens or glycerin during active treatment.

  • Good Clean Love — Almost Naked — Organic, pH-balanced, water-based; the first lubricant backed by an NIH study showing it is gentle on the vaginal microbiome. Recommended by the Dana-Farber Sexual Health Program. goodcleanlove.com
  • YES Organic Lubricants (WB and OB)3 — Certified organic, hormone-, paraben-, glycerin-, and petrochemical-free. Formulated with cancer patients in mind and recommended by breast care nurses and oncologists. yesyesyes.org
  • Überlube — Premium silicone lubricant, unscented, only a few inert ingredients. Used in a randomized trial of postmenopausal breast cancer patients, where silicone-based lube reduced pain during penetration more effectively than water-based. uberlube.com
  • Sliquid Organics Natural — Glycerin-free, paraben-free, sugar-free water-based lubricant with organic aloe and botanicals. sliquid.com
  • pjur med Premium Glide — Silicone-based, dermatologist-tested, preservative-free; designed for hypersensitive skin and mucous membranes. pjurmed.com

Vaginal moisturizers

Moisturizers are used routinely (often 3–5 times per week), not just around sex, to restore comfort to vaginal and vulvar tissue.

Dilators

Dilators are commonly prescribed after pelvic radiation, surgery, or GVHD, and are used to maintain vaginal length, width, and elasticity. Start with the size your clinician recommends and progress slowly.

Intimacy aids for changed bodies

These tools come up often in oncology sexual health programs and pelvic floor PT clinics when penetration is painful, stamina is limited, or bodies need more support.

  • *Ohnut15 — Soft, stackable wearable rings worn at the base of a penis or dildo to limit penetration depth. Endorsed by Dr. Sharon Bober (Dana-Farber Sexual Health Program) and referred by over 9,000 clinicians worldwide. (Now sold direct by the manufacturer as The Pelvic People.) thepelvicpeople.com
  • Dame Products — Body-safe medical-grade silicone vibrators and accessories; founded by a sexologist, with a medical advisory board. The Pom (soft, flexible external vibrator) and Fin (finger-mounted) are good low-exertion options. dame.com
  • Liberator (Luvu Brands) — Patented positioning pillows (Wedge, Ramp, Flip Ramp) that take load off joints, back, and abdomen — often recommended for fatigue, surgical recovery, neuropathy, or chronic pain. liberator.com

If you'd like options for bodies with penises (including pumps, rings, and pelvic floor tools after prostate, testicular, or colorectal treatment), please reach out and I can share tailored recommendations during our session or by email.

Ongoing education & support

For reading, webinars, and ongoing patient-facing learning about sexuality and cancer.

Finding a qualified provider

  • AASECT Referral Directory — Find a certified sex therapist, counselor, or educator in your area. aasect.org/referral-directory
  • ISSWSH Provider Directory — International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. isswsh.org
  • Witness Therapy — If you're in a state where I'm licensed, I offer sex therapy for individuals, couples, and people navigating illness. witnesstherapy.com

For caregivers and partners

Intimacy during cancer involves more than one person. These resources are for the partners, spouses, co-parents, and chosen family who are navigating this alongside you.

Reach out

If something on this page raised questions — or you want help figuring out what might fit your body, your diagnosis, and your relationship(s) — I'd love to hear from you.

Sammy Witness, Sex Therapist & Sex Educator witnesstherapy.com

Last updated: April 2026. Product availability and formulations can change; always check the manufacturer page for current ingredients.