After treatment, you will have regular check-ups. These are usually every few months to start with. If you develop new symptoms or any symptoms you first had come back contact your specialist doctor or nurse. You do not have to wait for a follow-up appointment.

It can take time to work out what feels normal for you. You may worry every ache or pain you have is a sign of the cancer returning. Your specialist nurse can give you support and explain what symptoms to look out for.

CA125 blood test

CA125 blood tests are sometimes done as part of your follow-up. But this is not always needed. A rising CA125 level may be a sign that the cancer has returned. It may mean you need further tests, such as a CT scan.

Doctors usually advise waiting for cancer symptoms to develop before you have more treatment. This is because:

• starting treatment before there are symptoms does not improve treatment results
• you have shorter periods of time between treatments
• you have side effects sooner.

But you and your specialist doctor can start to talk about possible options for further treatment.

Your sex life after ovarian cancer

Cancer and its treatment can cause physical and emotional changes that may affect your sex life. If you have not been through menopause your treatment will usually cause it.

You may also have changes, such as scars or hair loss, that affect your body image. Usually, difficulties slowly improve after treatment. Your nurse can give you more advice.

Well-being and recovery

Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive changes after treatment. Changes to the way you live such as eating well and keeping active can help your body recover and improve your health and well-being.

Getting support

Everyone has their own way of dealing with illness and the different emotions they experience. You may find it helpful to talk things over with family and friends or your doctor or nurse.

There are also support organisations that you may find helpful:

• Eve AppealEve Appeal offers information and support for anyone affected by gynaecological cancers. Also provides information about cervical screening and for trans, non-binary and intersex people. Call their helpline on 0808 802 0019.
• OvacomeOvacome offers information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.
• Target Ovarian CancerTarget Ovarian Cancer offers information and support to anyone affected by ovarian cancer. Call their helpline on 020 7923 5475.

Macmillan can offer emotional, practical and financial help and support. If you would like to talk, you can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online.
• Visit our ovarian cancer forum to talk with people who have been affected by ovarian cancer, share your experience, and ask your questions.