Mentioning the unmentionable: A stoma care nurse's journey to discussing sexuality comfortably with ostomates

Abstract

Sexuality is a fundamental activity of daily living, affected by a number of external factors, including illness and surgery, such as stoma formation. Ostomates should have an opportunity to discuss sexuality with a stoma care nurse, but it can be a difficult topic to raise, due to social and cultural taboos, as well as misconceptions about health and roles and denial of problems and responsibilities. Engaging in these difficult conversations is an important skill that can be learned and perfected, so long as the need is identified. This journey is illustrated by the author's personal experience. Permission-giving according to the Ex-PLISSIT model makes it easier for patients to open up about sexuality, making it possible to identify and address common sexual problems experienced by ostomates.