Chemo and Condoms

Owens69

I read in a recent thread that while going through chemo, your partner should use a condom so as to not pass any of the chemo to him. I've not been told this by my doctor so I wanted to get some input from others.

debiann

Here is a link to some info from this site:

condoms and chemo

The need for the condom is just for the first few days after chemo, when your body is expelling the chemicals. I don't know how many are in the mood for sex on those days, I know I wasn't, lol, but I guess if you are, using a condom won't hurt.

SpecialK

It is also two-fold protection. Exposure to chemotherapeutic agents for your spouse, and due to possible tiny skin cracks, protection against bacteria during a time of reduced immune function for you. I was definitely told to use them by the onc nurses as part of my chemo teaching before the first infusion, and not for pregnancy protection (although that is important, if applicable!) because I already had a total hyst/ooph and DH a vasectomy.

Owens69

Thank you, ladies. I was under the impression that we would have to use them the entire time I'm on chemo. Thank you for clarifying. It is something I will speak with my oncologist about.