Chronic Diseases and Sexual Health

The MSH (My Sexual Health) team members are a group of healthcare professionals specialising in sexual health who can provide valuable support and assistance to patients dealing with chronic diseases and their impact on sexual health.

Chronic Diseases and Sexual Health:

Living with a chronic disease can often significantly impact an individual's sexual health and overall well-being. Physical symptoms, psychological factors, and medications associated with chronic diseases can affect sexual desire, function, and satisfaction. The MSH team members can help address these concerns and provide guidance on managing sexual health alongside the challenges of chronic illnesses.

Support Offered by MSH Team Members:

Education and Information:

1. MSH team members can offer information and educational resources about how chronic diseases can affect sexual health. They can explain the potential impact of specific conditions and treatments on sexual function and provide strategies to manage these effects. Patients can better understand their condition and feel more empowered to address their sexual health concerns.

Counselling and Emotional Support:

2. The emotional and psychological impact of chronic diseases on sexual health is significant. MSH team members can provide counselling and emotional support to help patients cope with the challenges they face. This support can include addressing body image issues, self-esteem concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and communication difficulties related to sexual health.

Treatment Options and Management:

3. The MSH team members can discuss various treatment options and strategies to manage sexual health issues associated with chronic diseases. They can provide recommendations for medical interventions, adjustments to medications, lifestyle modifications, and techniques for managing symptoms that impact sexual function. This individualised approach aims to improve overall sexual well-being while considering the specific needs and limitations imposed by the chronic condition.

Collaborative Care:

4. MSH team members often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers involved in managing chronic diseases. They can liaise with primary care physicians, specialists, and other relevant professionals to ensure holistic care and consider potential interactions between treatments and sexual health. This collaborative approach helps address both the chronic disease management and the sexual health needs of the patient.

Referrals and Additional Support:

5. MSH team members can refer to other healthcare specialists, such as psychologists, physical therapists, or sexual medicine experts, who can offer specialised care and interventions for specific sexual health concerns related to chronic diseases.

By seeking support from MSH team members, patients with chronic diseases can receive personalised care and guidance for managing their sexual health concerns. Open and honest communication with healthcare professionals in the MSH team can lead to improved sexual well-being, enhanced quality of life, and better overall management of chronic conditions.