Talking about relationships, sexuality and intimacy | Help Hub

If you are able to share with your partner or loved one how you are both feeling and what you are experiencing, it can really help. There may be guilt, anger, loss, frustration, sadness and many other emotions that it may help by expressing. By sharing these thoughts and feelings it may help you to understand what your loved one wants and find ways that you are both fulfilled and feel closer to each other. Talking about the challenges of the situation and the changes you are both having to adapt to, can help to make your relationship deeper and more fulfilling in other ways.

Perhaps finding a regular time and comfortable space to talk, which could be at the end of the day, sharing what has happened during that day and opening up communication can be a great relief, sometimes you may find that both of you are feeling the same way, but hadn’t spoken for fear of upsetting the other person.

Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you don’t know, and when you are receiving palliative care, professionals can support you in all different aspects of your wellbeing, including sex, intimacy and body image.

Attending appointments, having treatments and taking certain medications may often affect libido, increase fatigue levels, make you more nauseous and certain medications may affect how effective contraception is, just a few things that it might be worth asking your medical team about.

Sometimes the healthcare professionals looking after you might not always start these conversations, but they can put you in touch with the right support, palliative care looks after all aspects of your wellbeing.

Don't be afraid to ask questions

The team that supports you will be able to answer any questions that you may have, and there is no need to feel embarrassed, sex should not be a taboo subject, and neither should death. If your health care provider doesn’t ask you about this important area of your life then do raise it with them, this area shouldn’t be overlooked.

Through asking questions and accessing support you will hopefully be able to address any concerns you may have, and therefore have a better understanding of your needs so you can put time and energy into what is important to you.

In this section we try to address some of those questions you may have, regardless of whether you are in a relationship or not. We hope that you find the information here helpful whatever your sexual orientation or gender, if you are trans, non-binary or intersex, we have tried to use inclusive wording to help you find your way.

Relationships, sexuality and intimacy

Relationships, that is how we are with the people we love and who love us are fundamental parts of life.

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Touch and connection at end of life

Touch is a powerful way of expressing and communicating love, comfort and support.

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Self and body image

Receiving a palliative diagnosis will affect so many different aspects of your life.

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Relationships, sexuality and intimacy

Touch and connection at end of life

Self and body image