Sex ed.

If you thought you got out of having to provide sexual education when you became an oncologist, think again. Sure our treatments work against cancer, but most work against healthy sex lives too. Luckily this year has brought us the first comprehensive guidelines aimed to help us identify and manage the sexual side effects of our therapies. Last week these were officially adapted and adopted by ASCO. The table summarizes the high points, which include efficacious meds for erectile dysfunction and hot flashes, recs on vaginal dilators and lubrication, and generous doses of psychosocial and/or couple’s counseling. Read up because our treatments don’t have to keep our patients down (or dry or depressed).