Your Guide to Reconnecting With Your Body and Partner After Ovarian Cancer

Sexuality and intimacy are central to overall well-being, yet they are often overlooked in cancer care. Treatments for ovarian cancer can create physical, emotional, and relational changes, leaving survivors unsure of how to reconnect with their bodies or their partners.

Cynthia Ingram, a sexual health nurse at City of Hope, shares insights on navigating these challenges. Her guidance focuses on practical strategies, patience, and self-compassion to help survivors rebuild confidence, rediscover pleasure, and strengthen intimacy.

Even small steps in understanding and caring for your body can make a big difference. Exploring these changes openly and with curiosity can transform feelings of anxiety or disconnection into empowerment.

Relearning comfort with your body

After treatment, survivors often face physical changes that can affect comfort, pleasure, and confidence. Cynthia explains some of the common symptoms:

“Patients can expect to have symptoms such as vaginal dryness. Sometimes it can be very profound, so even just walking across the room can feel uncomfortable and sometimes it is less profound. Everybody is a little different.”

Other changes can include pelvic floor issues, incontinence concerns, and medically induced menopause, which can bring sudden and intense symptoms. These changes can be challenging, but there are effective ways to manage discomfort and regain confidence.

Supporting strategies include:

• Addressing physical changes such as vaginal dryness, atrophy, and pelvic floor issues
• Using pelvic floor rehab or dilator training to regain comfort
• Exploring non-estrogen vaginal hydration options for relief
• Engaging in gentle movement such as walking, stretching, or yoga to reconnect physically and emotionally
• Wearing clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable

Cynthia emphasizes practical approaches that help survivors gradually rebuild comfort with their bodies and regain a sense of pleasure and normalcy.

Rebuilding intimacy with a partner

Cancer can shift relational dynamics, sometimes placing the partner in a caregiver role. This can make intimacy feel intimidating or complicated. Cynthia highlights the importance of connection over performance:

“It is not about performance—it is about connection. Start with simple touch and talk openly about what feels okay and what does not.”

Rebuilding intimacy can begin with small, meaningful gestures that foster closeness and comfort. Open communication is key to understanding boundaries, desires, and comfort levels.

Tips to support intimacy include:

• Focusing on non-sexual touch such as hugging, handholding, or gentle massage
• Scheduling dedicated “date nights” or quality time to nurture the relationship
• Communicating openly about desires, comfort levels, and boundaries
• Using creative approaches like a sexual menu or playful activities to spark dialogue
• Remembering that sexual experiences evolve and can still be meaningful without high expectations

Cynthia also describes ways couples can explore intimacy in a low-pressure, playful way:

“There is a sexual menu by Dr. Stephen de Wit, and it is like a menu you would have at a restaurant. It offers a variety of activities, from very basic things like hugging and kissing to things that are not basic at all … I tell couples to go through the list together and talk about what is a yes, no, maybe, or absolutely not. It opens up dialogue and makes it fun for them to discuss these topics.”

Accessing support and resources

Many survivors hesitate to raise sexual health concerns, yet there are resources available. Cynthia encourages self-advocacy and exploration of support options:

“You deserve to have these conversations. Sexual health is part of overall health, and your providers are here to support you.”

Actionable steps include:

• Asking providers for referrals to sexual health specialists
• Learning about practical interventions, such as lubricants, pelvic floor therapy, and sensate focus exercises
• Joining support groups through NOCC programs and services
• Accessing educational materials and partner resources to foster informed discussions

These steps help normalize sexual health conversations and empower survivors to address their needs openly, ultimately improving quality of life and intimacy.

Prioritizing self-care and emotional well-being

Healing after ovarian cancer involves more than physical recovery. Emotional well-being is essential to rebuilding confidence and resilience. Cynthia explains:

“Self-care is essential because when you are able to fill up your own cup and take care of yourself, you just feel better about everything.”

Self-care can take many forms, from physical activity to hobbies to social connection. It is about finding what recharges and nourishes you personally.

Ways to integrate self-care include:

• Engaging in counseling, talk therapy, or meditation to process emotions
• Practicing gentle movement such as walking, yoga, or stretching to boost endorphins
• Taking part in enjoyable activities such as arts and crafts, music, or hobbies
• Spending time with loved ones or pets to foster connection and joy
• Creating routines that honor your needs, like bubble baths, gratitude journaling, or mindful relaxation

Cynthia also encourages asking for and accepting support:

“Ask for help. You have to accept the help with grace, and I think that is one of the big lessons with this.”

Self-care is not optional; it is a foundation for managing stress, reconnecting with your body, and supporting intimate relationships.

Final thoughts

Sexual health and intimacy are vital aspects of survivorship. Healing is not about returning to a previous state but embracing a new normal that honors your journey. Small steps—reconnecting with your body, exploring touch, practicing self-care, and communicating with your partner—can rebuild confidence and strengthen emotional bonds.

With the right resources, support, and self-compassion, survivors can move from anxiety or disconnection to connection, pleasure, and empowerment. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition provides programs, community, and guidance to support survivors every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions about ovarian cancer and intimacy

Many survivors and their partners have questions about intimacy, sexual health, and emotional well-being after ovarian cancer treatment. Here are some answers to common concerns, from managing physical changes to rebuilding connection with a partner. Use these insights to guide conversations with your healthcare team and explore practical strategies for comfort and confidence.