Constructions of sexuality for midlife women living with chronic illness

Abstract

This paper reveals that issues of sexuality are an important health concern for women who live with long-term illness and should be acknowledged in sensitive and responsive health practices. The paper concludes that it is important for nurses to provide women opportunity for open and genuine communications about sexuality. In this way, a foundation of acceptance for the whole person is established which provides women permission to ask questions and seek assistance with sexuality issues.

Knowledge of and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health in adults in Shiraz: a need for further education

“…Accordingly, all people need to have reasonable knowledge about SRH in order to be able to achieve a joyful life. Enhancement of knowledge of both men and women concerning SRH may help to promote their quality of life and general well-being [7]. SRH has been regarded in Islam as a significant aspect of human life, and theoretical and practical aspects of reproductive health have been presented in some religious reference texts, indicating an interest in sexual education [8].…”

Utilizing a Narrative Approach to Increasing Intimacy After Prostate Cancer

“…Health care and mental health professionals can mistakenly believe that the diagnosis of a serious illness, coupled with the mature age of many of these couples, would diminish interest in sexual intimacy and expression (Steinke, 2005;Wallace, 2003). However, results from one descriptive exploratory study demonstrated that being diagnosed with a serious illness often heightened the need for physical and emotional closeness and fostered a continued affirmation of desirability and attractiveness (Kralick, Koch, & Telford, 2001). Additionally, satisfaction with sexual life is an important predictor of satisfaction with life (Mallis et al, 2006).…”

Hepatitis C, love and intimacy: Beyond the ‘anomalous body’

“…For example, engaging in sexual activity is one of the few ways in which they feel 'normal' (McInnes, 2003). These studies also identify how the biomedical effects of chronic conditions, changes in body image, psychological responses to living with a chronic illness, gender roles and caregiving duties, and future fears and confusion around sexual activity affected the formation and maintenance of intimate relationships (Kralik, Koch, & Telford, 2001;McInnes, 2003;Mercer, 2008;Pangman & Sequire, 2000;Samelson & Hannon, 1999). These studies, as with some relating directly to hepatitis C, recommend psychological and medical interventions to assist people to adapt to changes in their sexuality, and to treat 'reduced libido'.…”