Female sexuality under stress - the effect of chronic illness, disease, disability and in the nursing home

The older woman will face the impact of ageing in physical ways that influence her sexuality. The onset in later years of significant illnesses and their treatments will affect the way she is able to physically engage in sexual activity and her ability to maintain physical comfort in sexual activity. This in turn reflects on the psychological aspects of her continuing sensuality and sexuality. The resultant disabilities will often involve care from others, both at home and in institutions. It is a challenge to maintain an active sexual life for women in these situations . This presentation will look at the effect of common medical conditions in older age on a woman’s sexuality. It will also discuss the psychosocial issues raised for the woman, her partner and her carers. The place of the health professional in providing an encouraging and facilitating environment for continued expressions of sexuality in older women faced with illness, disease or disability will be explored. A case presentation will be used to outline these issues


Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007