ABSTRACT
Sexual expression is a bodily activity and any changes in bodily function as the result of aging, trauma, or illness can impact sexual function. The treatment of sexual problems within such populations historically has been underemphasized in the field of sex therapy and sex research. However, in the last few years, medical research has begun to devote much more attention to these matters (Porst & Buvat, 2003). For several reasons, we believe that sex therapists will see an increasing number of cases with chronically ill, elderly, or differently abled clients. First, thanks to medical advances, people are living longer with chronic illnesses, particularly HIV, cancer, and diabetes. Second, the aging of the baby boomers results in an increased prevalence of couples over age 50 who are committed to remaining as sexually active as they were decades ago. Third, advocates for disabled individuals have been vocal in demanding that society view the disabled as sexual beings with a right to sexual pleasure, resulting in more willingness on the part of the disabled to seek help when they face sexual difficulties. Finally, as research continues to demonstrate the need for (Leiblum, 2008; Rosen, 2007) and effectiveness of (Heiman, 2002) sex therapy, physicians are gaining greater awareness about how helpful a referral to a sex therapist can be. Thus, it is essential that sex therapists have at least a basic understanding of these types of problems and the ways to treat clients with illnesses and disabilities from an Intersystems perspective.
