Sexual Health Care for Chronic Disease Patients
Sexual Health Care for Chronic Disease Patients
Chronic illnesses often bring great frustration and suffering, affecting not only mood but also sexual function. It is no exaggeration to say that all chronic diseases impair sexual function to varying degrees. Chronic illness leads to reduced physical strength, weakened willpower, low mood, and mental stress—all of which inevitably affect sexual performance. Some patients or partners may perceive physical illness as punishment for past indulgence in sexual pleasures, further worsening sexual dysfunction.
Among patients with benign chronic pain, about two-thirds report a decline in sexual function—both frequency and quality of intercourse have deteriorated compared to before. One-third report that their marriage relationship itself has worsened. Chronic pain acts as persistent neural impulses entering the brain, reducing the brain’s interest in sex, thereby decreasing sexual desire and activity frequency. Psychological effects of chronic pain also reduce sexual activity for both patient and partner.
Many people wrongly assume that disabled individuals lack sexual desire. In fact, surveys show that among stroke patients, even before full motor recovery, 73% of women and 88% of men still retain sexual desire, and 46% of men can still achieve erections. The sexual issues faced by disabled individuals are largely influenced by psychological and social factors—the primary causes of impaired sexual function. After experiencing a catastrophic illness, patients often develop anxiety—about sexual performance, unemployment, appearance, self-care ability, prognosis, etc.—all of which hinder sexual arousal to varying degrees. Disabled individuals should correctly accept their condition, eliminate unnecessary anxiety, and strive to express love and sexual desire through feasible means.
Patients with chronic renal failure commonly experience diminished sexual function. Reports indicate that 90% of males and 80% of females suffer from reduced sexual capacity. This is mainly due to the patient’s feelings of hopelessness, causing significant mental stress and psychological trauma. With dialysis therapy and zinc supplementation, sexual function in chronic renal failure patients can often improve significantly.
Sexual problems in chronic diseases are complex. Generally, sexual activity should be moderated. If symptoms recur or worsen after intercourse, stop immediately. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that during illness, qi and blood are deficient, and yin-yang balance is disrupted. Sexual activity during illness damages vital energy and exacerbates the condition. However, if illness stems from depression, and sexual harmony brings joy and emotional relief, it may actually aid recovery. For example, if illness leads to kidney yin deficiency and qi-yin deficiency, excessive sexual activity will deplete qi and yin—thus, sexual activity should be restrained. During active disease phases, sexual intercourse should be prohibited. During stable phases, limited intercourse may be allowed, using energy-saving, suitable positions and gentle, slow movements to avoid further depletion of qi, blood, yin, and essence. For conditions such as vaginal or vulvar inflammation, urethritis, severe cervical erosion, where intercourse causes pain or vaginal spasm, or risks spreading infection or worsening the condition, treatment should be prioritized. Until fully cured, sexual activity should be suspended and resumed only after complete recovery.
Traditional Chinese medicine views cancer as primarily caused by stagnation of qi and blood, accumulation of pathogenic toxins. These diseases easily damage vital energy, leading to severe depletion of qi and blood. Excessive worry or overwork can lead to sudden collapse of qi and blood, endangering life. Therefore, before treatment or during treatment, sexual activity should be avoided to conserve energy and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Once treatment is successful and health improves, sexual activity may resume.
Most people equate sexual behavior solely with intercourse—a misconception. Although chronic disease patients may have reduced desire for intercourse, their need for sexual intimacy often increases. Thus, chronic disease patients can enhance sexual satisfaction and reduce mental stress through close physical contact and affectionate intimacy, alleviating the suffering caused by illness.