Sex and Intimacy After Prostate Cancer: What Women Should Know

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Allison Norlian

Allison Norlian is a three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, filmmaker, writer and disability advocate whose work explores disability, mental health, identity, belonging and social change. Her latest documentary, Meandering Scars, premiered theatrically in early 2026 before being acquired by Freestyle Media for distribution. It is now available to rent or purchase on Amazon, Apple TV and other digital platforms.

She is the co-founder of BirdMine, a production company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through narrative and documentary storytelling. Through her work as a writer, director and producer, Allison creates films that challenge perceptions, examine systems of inclusion and exclusion, and invite audiences to engage with stories of resilience, community and human connection.

Allison co-wrote and co-directed the award-winning short film Thirteen, inspired by her mother and profoundly disabled sister. The film explores disability, faith and inclusion, has screened internationally and is now distributed educationally through New Day Films.

Before transitioning into filmmaking, Allison spent more than a decade as a journalist, reporting for television newsrooms across the country and writing for publications including ForbesWomen, HealthyWomen and Business Insider. Her reporting, often focused on disability rights, caregiving and mental health, earned multiple Emmy nominations and a Catalyst for Change Award from The Arc of Virginia.

As the sister of a profoundly disabled woman, Allison’s lived experience has shaped both her advocacy and creative work. She is committed to ensuring people with disabilities are portrayed with authenticity, dignity and emotional truth. Her own experiences navigating anxiety have also informed her storytelling, fostering a deep interest in the ways people cope with grief, uncertainty, isolation and resilience.

Whether behind the camera or on the page, Allison believes storytelling can build empathy, challenge assumptions and inspire meaningful change. Her work is driven by a desire to create space for conversations around disability, mental health, identity and belonging – subjects that are often overlooked, yet deeply connect us all.

Full Bio

Video/Image	Voiceover/Audio
A man and a woman walking, holding hands	Prostate cancer treatment can save lives — but it can also change a couple’s sex life.
GRAPHIC: Empty bed SUPER: Sexual changes are common: Erectile dysfunction Changes in desire Trouble reaching orgasm Changes in pleasure	Depending on the person and treatment, prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction, changes in sexual desire, trouble reaching orgasm or changes in what feels pleasurable. And these changes can affect both partners.
SUPER: It’s OK to have complicated feelings	You might feel grateful your partner survived cancer, while also grieving the sex life you had before.
GRAPHIC: Man looking anxious or ashamed GRAPHIC: Man and woman lying in bed, both staring at the ceiling	Your partner may experience anxiety or shame about changes in sexual function. And you may hesitate to initiate sex because you’re worried about putting pressure on them.
GRAPHIC: Man and woman, talking on a couch	Talking openly about these feelings can help.
SUPER: Sex doesn’t have to mean intercourse	Intimacy after prostate cancer may also mean expanding your definition of sex. Kissing, touching, sensual massage, oral sex, mutual masturbation and using sex toys can all be ways to experience pleasure and connection.
GRAPHIC: man and woman holding hands, hiking together, talking in a romantic restaurant	Holding hands, hugging, quality time and conversation help foster intimacy too. Instead of focusing on what your sex life used to look like, talk about what feels good now.
SUPER: Ask for help Side effects Treatment options Resources GRAPHIC: Couple on a couch in a therapist’s office (with a therapist)	And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Before, during and after treatment, ask your clinician about sexual side effects, treatment options and sexual-health resources. Visiting a sex therapist can also help.
GRAPHIC: Couple snuggling in bed	Prostate cancer may change your sex life. But change doesn’t have to mean the end of intimacy. Communication, flexibility and support can help couples find new ways to connect.
For more information, please visit HealthyWomen.org/sex-and-relationships

This resource was created with support from Bayer.

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