There’s enough to discuss at every meeting with your MDS, your nurse practitioner, your PT or OT, and your social worker. How do you start bringing up questions about sexuality and intimacy? 

A good preliminary is to let your provider know that this is a subject of great importance to you and you need time to fit it into the appointment. Maybe you want to discuss how you and your partner navigate your diagnosis—and what to do if your partner refuses to believe you have PD—or can’t deal with your symptoms. You might want to discuss your own changing body and desires: less interest in sex, discomfort or pain during sex, sleeping in different rooms and still engaging, or changes in your partner’s ability for or desire for sex.

Remember that your provider—doctor, nurse, social worker, PT or OT—may not have been trained to discuss these issues, but can refer you to a sex or pelvic floor therapist. If you are taking the Date Night & Intimacy 4-week workshop, you will be able to book a free one-on-one session with Dr. Kelly Rees, a sex therapist.