engleski

Love and sexuality in oncology patients

Oncology patients are facing numerous psychological consequences (hard disease, mourning for lost functions, anxiety, depression, fear of the future) among which are very often neglected changes in the fi eld of love and sexuality. Because of disease and the treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) there are multiple physical changes which may result by damaging the secondary health (e.g. iatrogenic menopause, hormonal imbalance, atrophy of the vaginal mucosa). Some frequent sexual problems are low sexual desire, problems with libido and dyspareunia. However, beside of the physical changes, there are psychological changes which can eff ect the sexuality (low self-esteem, changed body image, fear of loosing att raction in partner, and depression) which may have as consequences the avoidance of sex, reduced sexual desire and reduced intimacy. Apart from sexuality, there is often loss of intimacy between partners and due to reducing communication their love and closeness can be aff ected. Considering patients which will never fi rst speak about their sexual and love problems, every expert (doctor, pharmacist) who participate in the treatment of oncology patient should learn skills how to communicate with the patient about love, sex and methods how to keep their sexual health. This consultation should involve education about physiology and psychology of sexuality, using of sexual toys, imagination, stimulation, improving communication between partners, stimulating their conversations, exploring and experimenting in changed conditions and tighten their relationships, love and closeness.

sexual problems, sexual counselling, carcinoma, oncology

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