RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 How users of indwelling urinary catheters talk about sex and sexuality: a qualitative study
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP e364
OP e371
DO 10.3399/bjgp14X680149
VO 64
IS 623
A1 Alison Chapple
A1 Suman Prinjha
A1 Helen Salisbury
YR 2014
UL http://bjgp.org/content/64/623/e364.abstract
AB Background An indwelling urinary catheter can solve the problem of incontinence and may be life-saving in individuals with retention, but it can cause problems such as infection and may have a negative impact on body image, sex, and sexuality.Aim To explore the individual’s perceptions of how a long-term urinary catheter can affect body image, sex, and sexuality; and to help GPs to discuss the subject in consultations.Design and setting Qualitative study of a diverse sample of individuals living with a long-term urinary catheter. Interviews took place all over the UK, usually in the individuals’ homes.Method Narrative interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically, using the constant comparative method.Results Some individuals said that sex was not an important part of their lives because of old age, illness, or the catheter. Others talked about how their catheter and their disability affected their sexual self-esteem, feelings of masculinity or femininity, and how the catheter caused pain, discomfort, or unexpected symptoms during sex. Many noted the lack of information on the subject and also said that health professionals were reluctant to talk about sex. For a minority a catheter was not a major problem in relation to sex.Conclusion Some individuals using a urinary catheter would benefit from information on how to have a sexual relationship with a catheter in place and a chance to discuss the subject with their doctors. GPs need to be aware that sex may matter to a person with a catheter and how illness, disability, and a catheter may affect sexuality.