ABSTRACT
Media representations of sexuality exhibit a bias towards the fantasy model of sex (Zilbergeld, 1999); active and boundless sexual appetites, sexual athleticism and simultaneous and multiple orgasms. It is unsurprising in this context that non-disabled people develop problems with body image and sexual expression. Even within normal ageing, people may abandon sexual expression or seek plastic surgery for minor blemishes. Consider then the difficulties of developing or maintaining sexual identity with a chronic illness or disability, having been non-disabled before. Sexual problems and disability are two of the greatest social taboos. When combined, there are tremendous barriers to constructive sexual adjustment that can be compounded by insufficient knowledge and attitudes of healthcare staff, and the lack of comprehensive sexual health and dysfunction services.
