“Chronic illness and disability have a significant impact on many facets of life. With chronic illness, one deals with both psychosocial and physiologic effects. The client’s and their partners’ perceptions influence sexual functioning, as do values, culture, and previous sex role patterns. The interrelationship among these factors has a marked effect on a client’s sexuality or the client’s perception of his or her sexuality.” (Lubkin & Larsen, 1998, p. 305).

Sexual Health is the integration of the somatic, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being, in ways that are positive, enriching and that enhance personality, communication, and love. Chronic illness is the irreversible presence, accumulation, or latency of disease states or impairments that involve the total human environment for supportive care and self-care, maintenance of function, and prevention of further disability (Lubkin & Larsen, 1998).

Disability or illness can potentially impact any aspect of a person’s sexuality. People with a disability or living with an illness may wonder whether they can have children, if their partners will stay with them, if anyone will find them sexually desirable, or if they will ever enjoy sex again. Sexual-esteem or positive regard for and confidence in one’s ability to experience sexuality in a satisfying and enjoyable way may be shattered for a person with a disability. Many assume, incorrectly, that sexual intimacy is no longer possible due to sensation loss in the genitals. As a result, some may decide to ignore sexuality issues because they believe they no longer apply to them; others will seek out any opportunity to restore sexual-esteem. Questions, concerns, and feelings of anger about our sexuality are natural after disability or illness. Sexualhealth.com seeks to dispel myths about sexuality and provide the most accurate information about sexuality and disability or illness possible.

People with physical or intellectual disabilities in our society are often regarded as non-sexual adults. Sex is very much associated with youth and physical attractiveness, and when it is not, is often seen as "unseemly". If sex and disability are discussed, it is very much in terms of capacity, technique, and fertility - in particular, male capacity and technique and female fertility—with no reference to sexual feelings. This approach ignores other aspects of sexuality, such as touching, affection, and emotions.

If we accept that sexual expression is a natural and important part of human life, then perceptions that deny sexuality for disabled people deny a basic right of expression.. The perception of people with disabilities as non-sexual can present a barrier to safe sex education, both for workers who may be influenced by these views, and for disabled people themselves in terms of gaining access to information and acceptance as sexual beings.

It is important for educators—particularly those involved in educations programs with disability workers or disabled people— to understand community attitudes towards disability and sexuality, and the impact of these views upon disabled people themselves.

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References

Anderson, B., & Wolf, F. (1986). Chronic Illness and Sexual Behavior:

Psychological Issues. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54(2),

pp. 168-175. Michigan: American Psychological Association, Inc

Fogel, C., & Lauver, D. (1990). Disturbances in Sexuality. Sexual Health

Promotion, pp. 305-324, Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company.

Lubkin & Larsen. (1998). Effects of Chronic Illness on Sexuality. Chronic

Illness: Impact and Interventions, pp. 299-314, Toronto: Jones and Bartlett Publishers Inc.

Created by: Lauren Merrick