Sexuality and disease.

Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, GRECC, VA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA. morley@slu.edu

Disease is commonly associated with sexual dysfunction in both men and women. In many cases, effective treatments are available that can improve libido, erectile dysfunction, and vaginal dryness. Sexual problems in older persons with disease often lead to anxiety, marital discord, and withdrawal. It is the responsibility of all health care professionals to inquire about sexuality in all patients, no matter what the patient's age, and to be aware that frailty [79-81] is not, in itself, a barrier to sexuality. Health professionals need to give education, support, and counseling on sexuality for patients with disease.

PMID: 14567008 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]