Sexual activity is only one aspect of sexuality and intimacy that we can address in occupational therapy. Consider anything that may fall into any of the categories in the OT Sexual Assessment Framework.
Some examples that folks may be experiencing include difficulty with:
- engaging in sexual or intimate activities
- feeling satisfied with or not having enough intimacy
- establishing or communicating sexual boundaries
- pain or discomfort during sexual or intimate activities
- finding open minded and supportive caregivers or difficulty explaining sexuality, gender, and intimacy needs with caregivers
- bringing up sexuality, intimacy, or gender identity concerns with health professionals
- arousal or desire or mismatched desire levels with your partners
- feeling masculine, feminine, non-binary, or other gender and sexual expression
- participating in work, social, or community events where folks may openly express gender or sexuality
- knowing or understanding sexuality or gender identity
- communicating or asserting gender pronouns or name changes
- participating in roles, rituals, or routines associated with sexuality or gender identity
- communicating needs or desires with partners
- low self-esteem or sense of attractiveness
- relationships because partners may not understand the illness, condition, or disability
- showing or expressing intimacy with or receiving from partners
- regulating emotions or managing executive function tasks which impact relationships
- feeling like the condition gets in the way of meeting partners’ needs
- creating environments that are conducive to intimacy
- creating, maintaining, or leaving intimate relationships
- difficulty accessing or navigating the environment or community to pursue intimacy and social connections
- maintaining sexual wellness such as regular sexual health exams
- choosing or using contraceptive options
- managing menstrual health and hygiene
- managing bowel/bladder during intimate activities
- feeling attractive with ostomy bags of other externally worn medical devices or scars from medical procedures
- knowing how to find or use appropriate sexual wellness devices or incorporating medical equipment into intimate activities
- knowing positions or how to engage in sexual or intimate activities safely
- and so much more!