Sexual dysfunction in the medically ill: Psychosomatic illness review: No. 11 in a series

Abstract

The psychological reaction to medical illness, the nuances of the illness itself, and various interpersonal stresses related to the sick role may all compromise sexuality. Some patients may minimize the importance of sexuality. This may be appropriate in the face of other concerns, but may also indicate a sense of denial, hopelessness, unattractiveness, and rejection. The author reviews major illness areas such as cardiovascular disease and cancer and presents treatment considerations based on clinical assessment of sexual dysfunction in terms of the three phases of the sexual response cycle–desire, arousal, and release.