This is an overview of CAM treatments that have been evaluated by CAM Cancer for sexual function related to cancer or cancer treatment. The CAM treatments have been categorized according to the currently available level of evidence. Click on the different categories to view an assessment of these treatments. Please note that this is not a list of recommended treatments and does not suggest that these treatments are safe or effective.
At the time of assessment, the available evidence did not suggest positive effects for any of the treatments evaluated by CAM Cancer for this symptom.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Efficacy
Only few trial data are available on PMR for sexual function. One RCT (n=87) found PMR had similar effects to hypnosis on a range of measures of sexual function.
Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Some concerns have been raised about the use of relaxation therapy interventions among individuals who have a history of psychiatric disorders.
Read the full version of the Progressive Muscle Relaxation summary.
L-Carnitine
Efficacy
Few data are available for the effect of L-Carnitine on sexual function. One RCT (n=96) showed beneficial effects on sexual intercourse: the evidence suggests that acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine improve the efficacy of sildenafil in restoring sexual potency after prostatectomy.
Safety
Generally, it is well tolerated and has been safely used in clinical trials at appropriate doses. Interactions with thyroid medications have been reported.
Read the full version of the L-carnitine summary.
Mindfulness
Efficacy
Few trial data are available for the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on sexual function. One RCT (n=46) found that MBSR improves sexual desire and arousal but also found a decrease in orgasm score.
Safety
MBSR is generally considered to be safe in supportive cancer care. However, no rigorous assessment of the safety of mindfulness-based approaches in cancer patients is available.
Read the full version of the Mindfulness summary.
Yoga
Efficacy
Few trial data available on the effect of yoga on sexual function. Two RCTs evaluated sexual function and yoga. One RCT evaluated erectile dysfunction (n=62) and the other one sexual function (n=68). Both studies reported small effect of yoga.
Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Few adverse events are reported in clinical trials, and serious adverse effects appear rare. Overall, injury rates are comparable to other exercise types.
Read the full version of the Yoga summary.
At the time of assessment, the available evidence did not suggest no effects for any of the treatments evaluated by CAM Cancer for this symptom.