What is sexuality?
On completion of this case scenario you should have an understanding of:
- Understanding the nature of sexual difficulties after stroke
- The need for health professionals to recognise that it is everyone’s role to provide some degree of information and support as appropriate
Sexual intimacy should always involve intercourse
Many people enjoy sexual intimacy without it leading to intercourse. This may include activities such as kissing, cuddling, massage or oral sex.
Sex must be natural and spontaneous
People may benefit from planning sexual activity. This can be especially useful if there are problems as a result of a medical condition or a disability and can help to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
For some people sex is the only intimacy within their relationship
This can lead to feelings of loss and sadness if the ability to have sex is compromised.
People with disabilities have less sexual desire than people without disabilities
People with a disability can and do have the same sexual desires and needs as those without a disability.
Sex is for younger people
Many people continue to enjoy an active sex life into middle and old age.
Both men and women can initiate sexual activity
Both men and women are able to initiate sexual activity if this is what they want.
If sex is not good there must be something wrong with the relationship
People can have a good relationship but, for various reasons, find that there are times when their sex life is disrupted.
Sexual desire can decrease with age
Both men and women can experience problems in middle to old age e.g. libido may diminish, menopausal and post-menopausal women may experience problems with vaginal dryness and loss of sensation. However, there are solutions to the problems and many older people continue to enjoy an active sex life.
Page last reviewed: 10 Feb 2021
