OPTIMAL HEALTH practicemanager@optimalhealth.org.uk |
Physical Disability and Sex |
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Introduction Any disability usually reduces the frequency of love-making. This arises from a combination of factors including physical disability itself, possible side-effects of medication and psychological problems such as anxiety about performance and how the body may react during sex. Dissatisfaction and disappointment with the quality of sex can lead to depression, a sense of isolation and an avoidance of any physical contact. Denial and anger are common and in some respects the emotional process is similar to mourning - after all, an aspect of oneself is indeed lost and this loss needs to be grieved. Physical problems go hand in hand with psychological ones. For a Parkinson's victim, fear of involuntary and sudden limb movements, shaking and muscle stiffness may lead to poor sexual arousal and impotence. Lack of control over the bladder or bowel and, for women, a tightness of the vagina, are other difficulties. All of which will cause the patient a distressing loss of confidence and self-esteem, often compounded by social factors, such as financial dependence or job insecurity. Partners need to think flexibly. For example, a less active role in love-making due to reduced mobility requires a partner willing to initiate sexual activity. Change from an active role to one of greater dependency may effect how he of she feels about themselves. The guiding principle is that the disabled should be supported in maintaining a sexual identity if they wish it. What can counselling offer? Counselling helps people to make or adjust to changes in their life. This may include practical recommendations such as adopting different routines for making love, such as changing the time or the position for intercourse. It may involve listening while an individual or couple talk about what is distressing them. Counselling also helps with the communication skills of patients who have difficulty in conveying to others what they want and feel, and with identifying and dealing with the emotional disturbances of illness. |
Male Sexual Problems Female Sexual Problems
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