Before you let your mind wander too much…
"Prescription pad" by VCU Libraries via Flickr
I was on a conference call last week about discussing sexuality with female cancer survivors. I’ve heard this talk – or a version of it – many times now. Unfortunately, the truth hasn’t changed. Even though we claim to provide holistic care, healthcare providers in general are terrible talking about sexuality with our patients. And, ahem, “sexuality” is not only about intercourse.
Yes, treatment to sustain life takes priority, but let’s not forget sexuality is an important quality of life aspect to nearly everyone, as well. Cancer treatments can cause physical changes to sexual organs and emotional roller coasters as well as cause enough fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and constipation (shall I continue listing symptoms?) to make anyone want to forget anything sexual for a while. Yet, transitioning to survivorship brings a new normal, which includes a new normal for sexuality, as well, and sometimes that means discussing sensitive topics with patients.
The call participants talked about all sorts of questions and concerns, and the wonderful speaker discussed building a rapport with patients, suggesting care that is appropriate for each patient’s need and comfort level, and being comfortable in your own skin in order to have sensitive, meaningful conversations with patients about such needs. Interestingly, the speaker pointed out that patients may be more inclined to use vibrators, dilators, lubricants, etc. if prescribed by a healthcare provider. In addition, she believed oncology offices and facilities should have a stock of items for patients to purchase then and there to reduce fear and stigma. Now that is a side of patient advocacy we rarely see. Unfortunately.
Jody Schoger (@jodyms)
August 23, 2011 8:41 amJoni,
Much needed discussion. I was talking with a nurse last week who told me that she never asks her patients about sexual side effects. In my experience that is the norm.
Thanks for helping to break this pattern. Sexual health is just as important as emotional and physical health in recovery from treatment.
Jody
Sean
August 24, 2011 10:24 amI agree. We must treat the ‘whole’ patient, regardless of how uncomfortable a topic it may be for them or for us as professionals. If not us, to whom will these patients turn to for help and advice.
Good post.
Katherine Gordy Levine
August 24, 2011 5:45 pmI posted this on Facebooks. Sure it offended some of my fundamentalist thinking friends, but I am offended by demonisation of sexual pleasure which in Christianity didn’t start with Jesus but his delusional promoter now know as St. Paul
The Nerdy Nurse
August 27, 2011 11:54 am*blushes*
I admit.
I’m terribly modest about these sort of things and would be embarrassed to discuss it with patients. But you are absolutely right!
The biggest problem, IMHO, there is so much stigma and so much fear of legal action that patients and providers may be very unclear of where the lines are between medical advice and sexual harassment.