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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2017; 30(03): 201-206
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598161
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Sexual Dysfunction and Intimacy for Ostomates

Jeffrey A. Albaugh
1   Department of Sexual Health, John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Glenview, Illinois
,
Sandi Tenfelde
2   Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
,
Dana M. Hayden
3   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 May 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Sex and intimacy presents special challenges for the ostomate. Since some colorectal surgery patients will require either temporary or permanent stomas, intimacy and sexuality is a common issue for ostomates. In addition to the stoma, nerve damage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are often used in conjunction with stoma creation for cancer patients, thereby adding physiological dysfunction to the personal psychological impact of the stoma, leading to sexual dysfunction. The purpose of this paper is to describe the prevalence, etiology, and the most common types of sexual dysfunction in men and women after colorectal surgery and particularly those patients with stomas. In addition, treatment strategies for sexual dysfunction will also be described.

Keywords

sexual dysfunction - colorectal cancer - sexual health
 

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