ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the possible impact of diagnosis, treatment and nearing end of life on the sexual function of both the patient and their partner. One's sexuality is an integral part of both of these and as the end of life approaches, the change in one's sexuality may present as a psychosexual problem, either overtly or covertly. A number of issues may prevent a doctor talking about sexual function with an elderly patient or a patient who has a life-changing or life-limiting illness and vice versa. Retreating into reassurance or focusing on the physical and psychosocial may be a way of avoiding talking about the psychosexual. In contrast, the priority of the patient or their partner or both may be the fear that if they have sexual intercourse, they might have another heart attack, or worse that they may die. The psychosexual clinic offered safe space to explore these feelings.
