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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Chemotheraphy
Posted on: 12/01/2005
Question
I just completed chemotherapy for Hodgkin's Disease. I've abstained from oral sex because I was told the chemo can be found in any/all of my bodily fluids. I don't want my boyfriend exposed to even traces of the toxic drugs. So, how long til I can safely allow him to pleasure me in this way?
Answer
The body is able to metabolize and remove most chemotherapy agents within a week after completing treatment. In that sense, oral sex should be safe for your boyfriend at that point. However, when you get chemotherapy your immune system gets weakened and oral sex may expose you to infection more readily, including viral (such as herpes), fungal (such as yeast) and bacterial. Usually, it would be important to wait several weeks to allow your body and immune system to recover from the chemotherapy before exposing yourself.