Discussing intimacy, sexual dysfunction, and sexual health can be uncomfortable for individuals and is often simply completely left out of the scope of patient care. These issues are a hefty part of the human condition, how we were made, and the things that we were created to need. By addressing topics like intimacy, sexual health, and sexual dysfunction with your patients, you ensure that you are doing all you can to help them to help themselves live a whole, balanced life.
Empowering yourself as a medical professional with information on these topics prior to engaging with your patients in a specific, focused way ca be detrimental in the approach and delivery of addressing these things. By ensuring that you are covered by knowing all options available, more than simply prescription or surgical intervention, will help your patient feel secure, heard, educated, and supported.
If a patient willingly opens up about their sexual health or dysfunction issues with you, understand how difficult it may have been for them to even speak about the topics. Many people surveyed by the NIH have stated that they wish their medical care providers would just cover the topics and issues without them needing to awkwardly ask questions. Unfortunately, many medical professionals do not get “extra” education covering sexual health or dysfunction issues, unless they went into a specific specialty involving the genitals. Many medical professionals are also not aware of the resources that exist for patients when they are struggling with these things.
There is no age limit or requirement for sexual dysfunction issues, and a myriad of reasons could be the cause for men or women. Take the time to help your patient find the root cause of their troubles and work with them to get back on the path of intimacy and sexual health they desire.
How to Support your Patient’s Sexual Dysfunction Issues
Consider the following things to ensure your patient feels heard and supported in the conversation.
- Turn towards the patient and be direct.
- Put down tablets, electronics, and folders while listening to their history and questions.
- Make eye contact.
- Be empathetic- even if there are no quick fixes or answers.
Sexual dysfunction issues are not uncommon, as over 60% of “healthy adults” experience dysfunction at some point in life, while over 80% of cancer patients and those in survivorship experience dysfunction (NIH).
Other Tips for Discussing Sexual Dysfunction
These suggestions could be beneficial for those medical providers and staff who are regularly addressing intimacy and sexual dysfunction issues with their patients and their partners.
- Do not assume anything about your patient’s sexual dysfunction or desires.
- Always use inclusive terms, “partner/s” when first conversating, unless you are fully aware of your patients’ spouse or partner. This shows you respect pronouns and sexual orientation.
- Pay attention to your own body language and posturing. If you are not comfortable with these topics, do not allow your patient to see or feel this. Simply refer them to someone or an organization like Empowering Intimacy, who can help them get back on track with intimacy and pleasure.
- If you are aware that you are working with a transgendered or nonbinary individual, simply ask them upfront for their desired pronouns before you begin- and then USE them.
- If the individual is reluctant to ask or answer questions, rephrase your question to help lessen the burden or judgment they may be feeling from the topic.
How to Prepare for Conversations about Sexual Health as a Medical Professional
Your level of patient care will depend on which kinds of conversations you are having with your patients, and when. The issues and medical conditions you are addressing will also determine how many of these conversations arise in your practice. Cancer, long term diseases, and progressive diseases typically face the most discussion about sexual dysfunction for both men and women.
Knowing some of the most common sexual health issues before going in could help you to feel and sound more confident when addressing these issues for your patient. Here are some of the top issues people are facing:
- Loss of function
- Loss of libido and desire
- Relationship disconnect
- Prostate and/or penile pain
- Pain with touch or intimacy
- Vaginal atrophy and dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
Best Tips for Starting the Conversation with your Patients
When the time comes, consider using any of these ice breakers to help get the conversation going on both ends.
- “I’m going to ask you a few questions about your sexual health now, as this is also an important aspect of whole-healing and living.”
- “Would it be okay if we covered a few common sexual dysfunction issues that may arise during your treatment?”
- “Are you and your partner connecting in the same ways that you did before your cancer/illness/treatment? If not, what is different?”
- “Before we begin, do you have any questions or sexual concerns that you would like to address?”
- “In the past three months, what types of sex have you had?”
- Anal? Vaginal? Oral? (Knowing this helps to address safety with intimate acts.)
- “Are you aware that while on chemotherapy and radiation that you should be practicing safe sex with any partner you have? Including oral sex, and any act where bodily fluids are shared?” (NIH)
For those doctors, nurses, and professionals who have great relationships with their patients, you may not need to use a conversation ice breaker. If the patient is comfortable and open about most topics, simply asking, “Are you experiencing any sort of sexual dysfunction or loss of libido?” would most likely be enough to quickly cover the topics but allow for more discussion if necessary.
As with many other subjects in life, education empowers! Ensuring that you know all the options that exist for your patients with these very private issues shows how dedicated you are to their whole healing and overall care.
If you or your practice, or organization, is struggling to provide better patient information about intimacy and sexual dysfunction, or you would like to discuss partnerships, please reach out to our team!
Citations:
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control
American Association of Oncology