#27 Sex and Cancer with Dr. Saketh R. Guntupalli

On today’s show we welcome Dr. Saketh R. Guntupalli who is the Vice Chairman for Clinical Affairs and Quality in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. He is also the author of the book Sex and Cancer: Intimacy, Romance, and Love after Diagnosis and Treatment, and in this episode we chat about exactly that. Dr Guntupalli gives us some background into what inspired him to write the book and then goes onto some great anecdotes and information on the ways that cancer can influence intimacy and sexual relationships.

He stresses the key points that partners should always remember in trying to combat these potentially negative effects as well as focusing on some of the beautiful and surprising situations that arise out of something as scary as a cancer diagnosis. For all this and much more, be sure to tune in!

Highlights

• The patient that inspired Dr. Guntupalli to research and write his book.
• A particular story from the book about reimagining intimate life.
• The connection between cancer, hair, breasts and sexuality.
• The gender disparity around anatomical procedures in medicine.
• A three-pronged approach to overcoming the sexual challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
• Some pointers for being a helpful partner to someone in treatment.
• The emotional repercussions that a cancer diagnosis can have on a relationship.
• And much more!

Tweetables

“So what I would suggest is not to think about sex as intercourse and orgasm. It is a platter of different things that you choose from.” — Saketh Guntupalli [0:19:53.9]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode

Sex and Cancer — https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Cancer-Intimacy-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/1442275081

Saketh Guntupalli —  saketh.guntupalli@ucdenver.edu

University of Colorado School of Medicine — http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/Pages/somWelcome.aspx

Dammit Doll — https://dammitdolls.com/Home