Talking about pelvic and abdominal concerns

| Updated 30 Mar 2026

Talking openly to loved ones about the everyday impacts of cancer can make it easier to be able to open the conversation to some of these more sensitive conversations. Find a time that you feel relaxed and have the time and privacy to have the conversation. You might find it …
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Sphincter Exercises

| Updated 30 Mar 2026

Having well-functioning sphincter muscles can help to improve bowel control. When done correctly, these exercises can build up and strengthen the muscles to help you to hold both gas and stool (poo) in the back passage. Where are these muscles? The back passage or anus has two rings of muscle …
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Holding on Programme

| Updated 30 Mar 2026

As with many bodily functions, you can “retrain” your bowels. The following programme can teach you to “hold on” when you need to empty your bowels. Your rectum (where you store stool), your sphincter muscles (around your back passage), and your confidence need retraining to help you overcome this problem. …
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Glossary of terms

| Updated 31 Mar 2026

Glossary of Terms These are some terms that you might hear health professionals or other patients using. The Macmillan website is also a good place to look, to make sense of medical terms. MDT / Multi-disciplinary team This is a term to describe a group of health care professionals from …
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Vaginal dryness

| Updated 27 Apr 2026

When aroused, the vagina usually produces natural fluid which helps you to enjoy sex. Without this, sex can feel uncomfortable or painful. Vaginal dryness is a common problem that many people have at some point in their lives and can be due to some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, …
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Erection difficulties

| Updated 27 Apr 2026

Some people during and after cancer treatments can notice problems with gaining or maintaining an erection, which can be either temporary or permanent. This can be due to: Damage to the nerves and blood vessels that make the penis hard (erect) when you are aroused due to surgery or radiotherapy. …
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Sex, intimacy, and cancer

| Updated 1 Jul 2026

Cancer and its treatments may lead to changes in the appearance of your body or sex organs or the way your body works. In addition to these physical changes, you might have emotional and practical changes that also impact your sex life. Sexuality is so much more than sexual intercourse …
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Psychological wellbeing

| Updated 27 Apr 2026

Living with pelvic or abdominal cancer can bring particular challenges that may affect a person’s emotional wellbeing. This page explains some of the common concerns people may experience and offers practical tips and guidance that may help. You can also watch the short film below, which provides a brief overview with …
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Prolapse

| Updated 1 Jul 2026

This page provides information about pelvic organ prolapse. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to the staff member in charge of your care. What is a prolapse? Prolapse is the term used when an organ or structure in the body slips out of its normal position.  …
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Pelvic pain and cancer

| Updated 27 Apr 2026

Sometimes, the cancer itself might cause pain within the abdomen or pelvis, however occasionally cancer treatment side effects can cause pelvic pain. Scar tissue, nerve damage, and muscle weakness from treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can all contribute to pain around the pelvis. This may present as pain …
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