People with lower limb amputation and their sexual functioning and sexual well-being.
OBJECTIVE
Following a lower limb amputation, people may experience limitations in performing sexual activities. However, only little research efforts have been devoted to unravel how people experience their sexuality after such an amputation. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to describe how people with a lower limb amputation experience (changes in) their sexual functioning and sexual well-being.


METHODS
A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was used.


RESULTS
In total 26 interviews with persons with a lower limb amputation were performed. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in eight themes derived from the interviews: importance and description of sexuality; changes in sexual functioning; changes in sexual well-being; practical problems concerning sexuality; self-image; feelings of shame; role of the partner; communication about sexuality with professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants in this study indicated some problems concerning sexual functioning and/or sexual well-being. Some of these problems were of practical nature, and participants would have appreciated some information about how to handle this kind of practical sexual problems. However, such information should not be given at the beginning of the rehabilitation process, as at that time sexuality is not a priority for all patients.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Rehabilitation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands .
Jesse Elisabeth
JE
Verschuren
Jan H
JH
Geertzen
Paul
P
Enzlin
Pieter U
PU
Dijkstra
Rienk
R
Dekker
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012747:Sexual Partners; D019529:Sexuality; D055815:Young Adult
Lower limb amputation; sexual functioning; sexual well-being