Intimacy and Lung Disease

Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant will have:

  • An increased understanding of the impact of lung disease on intimacy and sexual activity.
  • An increased awareness of how to manage common concerns.

Facilitator:

This session may be facilitated by a respiratory nurse or sexual and reproductive health nurse.

Topic Content Resource
Impact of lung disease on intimacy and on sexual activity (ref 24 and 25) Impact of physical (breathlessness, fatigue) and emotional (fear, anxiety and depression) factors on sexual activity

Impact of medications on sexual drive and function.
Better living with COPD (Chapter 19)

C.O.P.E Module 5
Sex versus love. Communication with a partner, multiple aspects that contribute to a relationship. Better living with COPD (Chapter 19)

C.O.P.E Module 5
Strategies for addressing common concerns Suggestion options include pacing, suggested positions, incorporation of breathing control and energy conservation techniques, use of reliever medications and oxygen therapy, awareness of symptom exacerbation, avoidance of factors Handouts on alternative sexual positions for energy conservation.

C.O.P.E Module 5
Summary and questions. Contact details for further / confidential discussion.

The Toolkit

Getting Started
Getting Started
Patient Assessment
Patient Assessment
Exercise Training
Exercise Training
Patient Education
Patient Education
Patient Re-assessment
Patient Re-Assessment
Additional Resources
Additional Resources

Endorsed by the following organisations according to their respective approved criteria: