Sexual Adjustment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

The sexual adjustment of COPD patients is important to their overall medical and psychosocial rehabilitation. Although they do have limitations, COPD patients can have active sexual relationships if they take certain measures to reduce the physical risks of fatigue, chest pressure, and aggravation of bronchospasm. Some possible measures are adequate rest both before and during intercourse, bronchial toilet, masturbation, use of a bronchodilator before and/or during intercourse, medication, and an alteration in coital position. In addition to physical limitations, psychological problems are common both in COPD patients and in their healthy partners, making counseling that includes both ideal. When patients wish to discuss sexual concerns, health care professionals should respond promptly and sympathetically, avoiding evasive behavior and humor, to assure their patients that virtually everyone who is disabled or who is subjected to a long hospital stay has similar needs and frustrations. Because sexual functioning should be viewed as an everyday physiologic process rather than as a matter for a specific category of health care, professionals from every discipline in rehabilitation should be prepared to allay patients' anxieties by providing correct sexual information and assurance.