Sexualität bei Stomatherapie

Sexuality and stoma treatment is a combination of two taboo topics. This makes communication between healthcare professionals and patients difficult and also between patients and their sexual partners. The knowledge and counselling competence of physicians and nursing personnel is relatively low which can lead to a reduced quality of life and poorer care of patients. Sexual functional disorders are very frequent and impairing in patients with a stoma . Helpful approaches to counselling of patients are firstly working with the three-dimensional model of sexuality (desire, reproduction and relationship) to highlight the importance of attachment as a function of sexuality rather than physical functions and performance. Secondly, working with emotions on the part of the therapist and the patient is meaningful. Initially, priority should be given to enable conversations about sexuality and to deal with bilateral feelings, such as shame, anxiety and disgust. Patients should be trained on how to deal with the stoma and the calm and competent counselling on sexual practices or safer sex are part of a good sexual medical treatment. Gender-sensitive and non-normative language is needed as well as a reflection on one’s own basic attitude. Further education and a professional network are also helpful.