Intimacy Tips - for Doctors Only

How to Discuss Intimacy Issues with Your Patients

Before and After Treatment for Major Illnesses Such as Cancer

by Rabbi Edgar Weinsberg, EdD, DD
Healthcare Educator and Intimacy Coach
AASECT-Certified Sexuality Counselor*
*The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists   

As most doctors are aware, certain illnesses and treatments can cause serious sexual side effects. Unfortunately, many doctors find it a challenge to discuss intimacy issues with their patients.  This is due to at least three factors:

  1. Doctors or patients may find it uncomfortable to discuss such personal concerns
  2. Doctors’ heavy caseloads lead to limited time with each patient
  3. Many doctors have no formal training in relationship issues

The good news is that there are actually some very quick and easy ways to ask patients about their intimacy concerns, without the prospect of mutual embarrassment. Just select 1 or 2 questions to ask your patients that you feel will work best for you:

  • “Now that your procedure is behind you, what personal challenges are you most concerned about?
  • “Do you have any questions about the impact of your procedure or treatment on your personal life?”
  • “You’re on a lot of medicines. What side effects have you experienced at home?”
  • “Some patients tell me they have post-op (or post-radiation) sexuality concerns. Do you?”
  • “Your surgery/radiation took a lot out of you. How has it affected your intimacy with your wife?”
  • Where applicable: “We have a nurse educator to review patients’ sexuality and intimate  relationship concerns. Shall we set up an appointment for you?”
  • “At times patients ask me for a good intimacy relationship coach. May I suggest one for you?” If so, doctor may hand the patient Rabbi Ed’s brochure on Rekindling Intimacy with contact information.

Doctors may find that referring selected patients to other healthcare professionals will serve their patients well. Several factors should be considered as you refer patients to qualified counselors and coaches:

  • Medical remedies for sexual side effects can be very helpful, but many patients also benefit from short- or long-term intimate relationship coaching.
  • Doctors can help their patients through an integrative approach that includes referring them to other professionals who specialize in relationship and intimacy issues
  • Patients can improve their love life after cancer and other illnesses through counseling or coaching with an intimacy expert, trained to address wellness and relationship issues.

To obtain a printed copy of “Patient Intimacy Tips and Strategies” in the form of an informative four-page  brochure to distribute to your patients, MEDICAL DOCTORS are invited to contact Rabbi Dr. Ed Weinsberg  (the author of www.LovingAfterCancer.com)  at his email or cell phone number in Sarasota, Florida: [email protected], or (781) 367-1887. If you send an email, please insert this wording in the subject line: Doctor inquiry re: Patient Intimacy Tips and Strategies, and include your name, degree, postal mailing address, and phone number to receive the brochure. 

Click here to learn more Rabbi Ed’s academic background, media appearances, counseling training and experience, and his qualifications as an Intimacy Coach and AASECT-Certified Sexuality Counselor.

Please advise your patients that additional resources for improving  their love lives after cancer are available at www.LovingafterCancer.com. While there they can download a free report on “Renewing Intimacy after Illness,” and get an e-book, CD, DVD, or home study video course. They can also inquire about intimacy coaching, which includes applying for a  complimentary half hour Intimacy Discovery Session (IDS).

We invite patients to forward this page to their respective physicians who might not have read this page.

For more information, please click here for the Programs and Resources page.

Rabbi Ed Weinsberg


  • The Cancer & Intimacy Coach

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About Rabbi Ed

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  • "You’ve come to the right place if you are experiencing intimacy challenges related to major illness. Based on the program he provided our NABBW members, I can promise that you’ll find Rabbi Ed’s programs compassionate, easy to follow and effective. His guidance – based on ten core strategies – is priceless."

        — Anne L. Holmes, Boomer in Chief, National Association of Baby Boomer Women

    “Understanding that sickness does not have to end intimacy is vital for every marriage. Rabbi Weinsberg helps readers resolve this important issue to create a lifetime of love and fulfillment.”

         —John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

    "Rabbi Weinsberg draws on his own medical ordeal to bring guidance and comfort to others."

         — Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

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What Others Are Saying

  • "Rabbi Weinsberg covers a very delicate subject with grace, honesty and objectivity. As someone who has dealt with cancer and what I thought early on as the "disfigurement" of my breast, I know both personally and professionally the issues that come up around body image, sexual performance and our most basic identity when faced with the kinds of changes that no one wants to talk about. I highly recommend consulting with Rabbi Ed through any one of his outreach mediums."

        — Tina Greenbaum, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    "Rabbi Ed’s approach to this delicate subject is personal and transparent. His material is well researched and documented, easy to understand, and valuable for both doctors and lay persons."

        —Judith Fine-Sarchielli, Communications Specialist

    "Rabbi Ed offers important insights about intimacy after a major illness. His wide-ranging experience, care, and compassion make him a wise choice if you need his counsel."

        —Dr. Jed Diamond, PhD, LCSW, and author of several books including MenAlive: Stop Killer Stress with Simple Energy Healing Tools

    "Your webinar gave me the knowledge, optimism and faith to proceed. I thank you so much for sharing it with me."

        — R.G., prostate cancer survivor from Israel

    "Your candor, sensitivity and wisdom were profoundly important to us as we went the course of diagnosis, decisions, surgery and recovery. You have our deepest appreciation for your work and calling!"

        —Tom and Dee McElheny

    "Helped me overcome the pain and stress of my prostate cancer surgery."

         — Rev. Dr. Richard Byrne, prostate cancer survivor and minister

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About This Site

  • Copyright 2013 by Health Success Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

    This site suggests effective ways to increase intimacy, but the author, Rabbi Ed Weinsberg, does not purport to give medical advice. Before making any medical decisions, you should see your doctor or another qualified medical professional.

    This site contains adult material and may be accessed only by those ages 21 or over. See the Terms & Conditions for additional information.