If you have chemotherapy (chemo) for breast cancer, a chemo port may be placed to help deliver your medications. While you’re focused on the goals of treatment and recovery, quality of life is also an important concern. Some MyBCTeam members have discussed how a chemo port might affect physical intimacy.

One member asked, “My port goes in tomorrow. How does that impact sex? Do I need to keep it from being bumped?”

Whether you recently had a port placed or have been living with one for months, here are some tips and guidance to help you avoid pain, discomfort, or difficulties during sexual activity.

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Potential Challenges of Sex With a Chemo Port

For many people, sexual health is an important part of overall health and wellness while living with breast cancer. Intimacy may help reduce feelings of distress during cancer treatment. Many members have questions and concerns about having sex after implantation or removal of a chemo port.

Complications are not very common. About 7 percent of people may develop an infection at the entry site. If that happens, your doctor will tell you what treatment you need and whether you should stop your daily activities, including sex.

When the Chemo Port Is Placed

After a chemo port is placed, common side effects include bruising, drainage, skin discoloration, and swelling at the insertion site. Members of MyBCTeam have also reported neck pain and other symptoms.

For the first few days after the port is placed, you may want to take a break from sexual activity as your body heals. Whenever you feel ready to be intimate, as long as you’re following your surgeon’s guidance about protecting your wound, you’re free to start having sex again.

Chemo ports can stay in for weeks, months, and even years. In the long term, some people have reported continued soreness when direct pressure is placed on their port. One member said, “The only issue I had was things lying on my port.”

Lying flat on your chest may irritate the area where your port is located. Another shared, “The only time my port hurts is if my husband accidentally leans against it.”

For some, direct touch may cause pain or discomfort. If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, it’s important to communicate them before or during sex so you and your partner can adjust accordingly.

Most members have reported, however, that they had no special considerations when having sex with a chemo port. “As long as you’re comfortable, go for it!” a member advised.

After Chemo Port Removal

Some people worry about having sex after the chemo port is removed. The process of removal involves your surgeon making a small cut over the area, removing the port, and closing up the cut with stitches.

Chemo port removal side effects include bruising, soreness, swelling, and mild discomfort. Just as with any other healing wound, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions from your surgeon and ask when it’s OK to resume physical (and sexual) activity.

Tips for Safe Intimacy

If you’re new to having a chemo port, you may have questions or concerns about how it could affect sex and intimacy. Read on for tips to help you navigate intimacy while undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Communicate Openly

Honest communication between partners is always essential. Discuss any concerns, fears, or discomfort related to the chemo port and sexual activity with your partner. Sharing emotions and seeking support can strengthen your bond.

It’s important to note that you should never feel pressured to have sex while undergoing breast cancer treatment — you should only engage in intimacy if you feel up to it. If your sex drive is lower than usual, this is normal during treatment. Be open with your partner about these changes and what’s causing them.

Start With Emotional Closeness

Emotional intimacy plays a crucial role in sexual satisfaction. Focus on building and maintaining emotional closeness with your partner through communication, gestures of affection, and shared experiences.

Choose the Right Time

After port placement or removal, there may be a period of soreness or healing. One member shared, “Your port site may be a little sore for a few days, but after that ... you go, girl!” You should consult with your oncology team to determine when it’s safe to engage in sex during treatment, including after port insertion.

Touch Carefully Around the Port

When engaging in intimate activities, take care to be gentle around the chemo port area. Avoid placing excessive pressure on or around the port, as it may cause discomfort or pain. Being mindful of the port’s location can help ensure a more comfortable experience.

Add Lubrication

Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity are possible side effects of chemotherapy. Using water- or silicone-based lubricants can help reduce friction and increase comfort. Some people find that silicone-based lubricants are best if you’re experiencing significant vaginal dryness, but either type can work well. Be sure to choose hypoallergenic lubricants without irritants or allergens.

Use Protection

When you’re going through chemotherapy treatment, it’s important to avoid getting pregnant as chemotherapy drugs can negatively affect a pregnancy, causing birth defects and pregnancy loss. This recommendation also applies if you’re taking hormone blockers such as tamoxifen, anastrozole, or similar medications. These drugs do not prevent ovulation, so you can still get pregnant.

The safest method of birth control for you will depend on your particular situation. This may include barrier protection, such as condoms for penetration and a dental dam for oral sex.

Barrier protection may be recommended when certain types of chemotherapy drugs are present in your body’s fluids for a time after treatment. They may also be recommended when either party has a sexually transmitted infection or when there’s concern about preventing any infection.

Your oncology team can give you recommendations based on the type of medication you’re using and your individual circumstances. These may also include hormonal birth control, such as the pill or the implant, to ensure that you don’t get pregnant during breast cancer treatment. Note that hormonal birth control isn’t a good choice for some people living with breast cancer, particularly if it’s hormone receptor-positive.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about the best contraception for you.

Try Different Positions

Along with following these general tips for having positive sexual experiences while undergoing chemo, you may find some sexual positions to be more comfortable than others while living with a chemo port for breast cancer.

Experiment with different sexual positions to find options that are comfortable and safe. Some positions to consider include:

• Side-lying — This position can be comfortable and gentle on the chemo port area. Partners can face each other or be back to back, depending on their preferences.
• Elevated upper body — Using pillows or an adjustable bed, lift the upper body to reduce pressure on the port during sexual activity.
• On top — In this position, the person with the chemo port can have more control over movement, with less risk of bumping the port area.
• Supportive pillows or cushions — Using additional support can reduce pressure on the chemo port area during sex.

Speak to Your Doctor

Try not to feel embarrassed about discussing sex and intimacy with your oncologist or cancer care nurses. If you ever have concerns or questions about how your chemo port or other aspects of your breast cancer treatment may affect your sex life, bring them up with a healthcare provider who you know and trust. You may also choose to talk about intimacy and cancer treatment in a support group such as MyBCTeam.