Factores que inciden en la respuesta sexual en pacientes con enfermedades terminales: lineamientos de intervención

Abstract

Sexuality is an important aspect in the life of the human being, is present throughout his life, is formed by identity of gender, sexual orientation, preferences and pleasure, these elements are determined by biological factors, psychological and cultural. The sexual response is composed of 4 phases that allow the subject to express his sexuality through physical, psychological and relational contact. On the other hand, when the physical health of a person is compromised by a terminal illness, this influences a transcendental way in the life of the person; Sexuality can be affected by important organic, psychological and sociocultural factors that affect the full enjoyment of sexual activity in the subject. Sexual dysfunctions are alterations in sexuality, which are usually present in terminal patients and usually affect sexual response in the phase of desire and excitement. The pharmacological treatment administered to patients with terminal illnesses, is important for their recovery, however, can produce certain dysfunctions that are exacerbated by psychological symptoms such as the process of adaptation to the disease, beliefs that exist around sexuality and the particular conditions of each terminal illness, this determines a certain difficulty of having satisfactory sexual intercourse. Although there is no model to intervene in these negative manifestations presented by the sexual function, it is explained in a model that uses techniques with the aim of promoting well-being in the subject.