Desire: Information for men with a cancer history

Desire and Erections Don’t Always Align

  • Desire and erections are not the same, they are separate systems 
  • You may want closeness with your partner but not experience an erection
  • Also, there are times when you experience an erection without desire
  • Pressure to perform with a partner often reduces desire and arousal
  • It is important to note that cancer can disrupt one without affecting the other—and that neither reflects masculinity, attraction, or relationship strength