Illness and Other Health Conditions Affecting Sexuality

Certain illnesses and health conditions can have a major impact on sexual function. Obviously, people with physically disabling conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke or cerebral palsy may be limited in their ability to have traditional intercourse. Painful conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism also can take their toll. Other diseases may affect the sexual organs themselves, the nerves and blood vessels that play a role in sexual response and sex hormone levels. Here are four examples of illnesses known to have some effect on sexuality and sexual function.

Cancer: In some cases, cancer can have a direct impact on sexual functioning if it affects hormone production or an organ involved in sex itself, such as the prostate, penis, ovaries, cervix or vagina. Treatment for most forms of cancer, not just those affecting sexual and reproductive organs, can make people feel uncomfortable about their bodies and sexually unattractive. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are intense treatments that can cause more illness and discomfort than the cancer itself. Patients often experience unpleasant side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, skin irritation and weight changes. Surgery for cancer, such as removal of a breast or testicle, can make patients self-conscious and affect their sexual self-image.

Diabetes: People with diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy nerve damage caused by decreased blood flow and high sugar levels. This damage can interfere with sexual response.

Stroke: Along with causing problems with motor function and control, stroke can affect a person's body image. A stroke survivor may not be aware of one side of the body; the mouth may droop; feeling on the paralyzed side may be different; and speech may be garbled and emotions hard to control. The patient also may be afraid that sexual activity could bring on another stroke. Stroke survivors and their partners need to work together to overcome these physical and emotional issues.

Heart conditions, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure: Treatment of these conditions with medications that lower blood pressure can interfere with the blood flow to the genitals that is necessary for sexual response. Also, people with a history of heart attack or heart conditions may fear that sex could bring on an attack. They should work with their partners and physicians to deal with these issues.

Related Articles Sexual Dysfunction: a Widespread Problem Sexual Problems: Why Diagnosis Is Difficult Male Erectile Dysfunction Female Sexual Problems Other Than Arousal Disorder Male Sexual Problems Other Than Erectile Dysfunction Sex in Your 50s and Beyond

External Sources Sexual Health Network. Disability and Illness. Accessed May 22, 2007. American Academy of Family Physicians. Sexuality: Chronic Illness and Your Sex Life. Accessed May 22, 2007. American Cancer Society. Sexuality for Women and Their Partners. Accessed May 22, 2007. American Cancer Society. Sexuality for Men and Their Partners. Accessed May 22, 2007. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and Women's Sexual Health. Accessed May 22, 2007. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and Men's Sexual Health. Accessed May 22, 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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