Disability and Illness Introduction:
Disability or illness can potentially impact any aspect of a person’s sexuality. People with a disability or living with an illness may wonder whether they can have children, if their partners will stay with them, if anyone will find them sexually desirable, or if they will ever enjoy sex again. Sexual-esteem or positive regard for and confidence in one’s ability to experience sexuality in a satisfying and enjoyable way may be shattered for a person with a disability. Many assume, incorrectly, that sexual intimacy is no longer possible due to sensation loss in the genitals. As a result, some may decide to ignore sexuality issues because they believe they no longer apply to them; others will seek out any opportunity to restore sexual-esteem. Questions, concerns, and feelings of anger about our sexuality are natural after disability or illness. Sexualhealth.com seeks to dispel myths about sexuality and provide the most accurate information about sexuality and disability or illness possible.