Limb Amputation due to Sarcomas

When amputation of a limb is necessary to cure or control cancer, the focus is usually directed to a person's ability to move about and function with or without a prosthesis, and sexuality issues are often overlooked. Your inability or difficulty to perform simple acts like walking, running, or even combing your hair can be disturbing and create a serious impact on your sexuality. A negative body image can be common side effect due to an obvious defect, even when covered with clothes.

You may also become aware of potential problems such as how to position your body during sex play. Balance and movement may be difficult; you may feel physically isolated due to immobility, and you may experience phantom limb pain (pain felt as if the amputated limb was still there) Sex drive and interest usually remain intact, even though changes in your sexual relationship may be required due to newfound positions you may prefer. This discovery of new ways of being sexual can actually be cause for excitement as it may give you permission to try something different when making love.

As a person with an amputated limb, you may or may not choose to use a prosthesis, however, fear and anxiety are often gone once training begins and you feel more independent. Some people feel comfortable exposing their limb stump when nude and others prefer a "healthy illusion" by covering themselves with clothing or lingerie, or by simply leaving their prosthesis in place. Because you are being faced with losing the image you have created for yourself all these years, it is important to be able to discuss your feelings and fears about self worth (with your partner or a counselor), the appearance of the stump and/or prosthesis, phantom limb sensations and how your sexuality will be affected overall.