Treatment for breast cancer may create or exacerbate sexual problems for a variety of reasons. Surgery to the breasts may have an impact on body image, self-esteem and perceived attractiveness, as may hair loss caused by chemotherapy. The process of chemotherapy may also cause women to experience an earlier menopause, and hormone therapies may cause menopausal side effects such as vaginal dryness and reduced libido. This literature review explores the impact of treatment for breast cancer on sexual function and examines methods that may alleviate any problems.