Sexuality at the end of life

Abstract

There is very little research literature that addresses sexuality at the end of life. Although end-of-life care has become a priority for nursing education, the issue of end-of-life sexuality is not included in the curriculum. Nurses are frequently in a position to establish relationships with couples that encourage a frank discussion and information sharing. As patient advocates, nurses can address end-of-life sexuality issues by taking a sexual history and implementing a general intervention model, such as the PLISSIT. Couples need to be reassured that if they have enjoyed a close sexual relationship, sexual intimacy may continue to be part of their relationship, even at the end of life.

Sexual issues in early and late stage cancer: a review

“…The same barriers to sexuality reported in oncologic population have been found in advanced cancer patients, despite the better communication skills and a dedicated environment, typical of palliative care settings [36]. Health professionals do not address the sexual concerns because of fears of being intrusive, personal discomfort, inadequate knowledge, time constraints, and poor confidence with intimate communication [37].…”

“…Comorbidity and the relative treatment, particularly in aged population, contribute to sexual dysfunction [36]. Moreover, illness may impact couples' relationships when communication with the partner is poor [40].…”

Sexual Oncology: Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer

“…Intimacy, sexuality, and relationship concerns remain underresearched and underreported in the palliative care setting [48]. Providers need to reassure patients and their partners that – even at the end of life, when intercourse may not be feasible – intimacy and emotional closeness should be encouraged.…”

Sexual Health and Intimate Relationships in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…However, it is important to find ways to communicate about sexual health, since ignoring these concerns may damage sexual health for persons with RA. There are several possible reasons for the lack of discussion of sexual health by health professionals, such as: the sensitivity of the subject; the health professionals can be unsure on how to bring up the subject; being unsure of how they can support persons with RA having sexual health problems; and believing that somebody else in the health care team is responsible for discussing sexual health with patients (Couldrick, Gaynor, and Cross 2010;Stausmire 2004;Ryan and Wylie 2005;Bitzer et al 2007). There can also be more practical reasons like lack of time or lack of privacy during the meeting between the patient and the health professional (Britto et al 2000).…”