Giving permission to discuss sexual matters may involve simply creating a trusting and confidential relationship in which concerns can be raised. It is important to remember that raising the subject also allows the person to indicate that this is an area they do not wish to discuss, and this must be respected.
Permission
Giving permission to discuss sexual matters may involve simply creating a trusting and confidential relationship in which concerns can be raised. It is important to remember that raising the subject also allows the person to indicate that this is an area they do not wish to discuss, and this must be respected.
Routine questioning
“I always like to ask whether patients are having any relationship problems. Sometimes an illness or medication can affect sexual functioning. How has your relationship been going lately?”
Generalising
“People who have had a stroke often experience sexual difficulties such as loss of desire, for example. I wonder if you think that you have been affected in this way?”
Open-ended questions
“How is your health affecting your relationship?”
“What kinds of sexual problems have you had?”
“What happens when you and your partner try to make love?”
Using statistics
“78% of people who have a stroke experience fatigue. This can affect their sex life. Have you noticed any problems?”
Normalising
“When someone has had a stroke it is normal to be concerned about how the condition might affect their sex life. What worries have you had?”
Page last reviewed: 10 Feb 2021
