Sexuality and the disabled: Implications for the sex education of medical students

Abstract

Analyses of course evaluation data collected from medical students taking a required course in human sexuality indicate that presentations on the topic of sex and disability, by individuals who are themselves physically disabled, are perceived as being the most effective component of the course. A consideration of various explanations for these results led to the conclusion that couses in human sexuality for medical students should be expanded in scope to include discussion of the contribution which stereotypical sex role behaviors and the “masculine” nature of current medical practice make to the delivery of sexual health care.