TY - JOUR
T1 - “You're naked, you're vulnerable”
T2 - Sexual well-being and body image of women with lower limb lymphedema
AU - Winch, Caleb J.
AU - Sherman, Kerry A.
AU - Smith, Katriona M.
AU - Koelmeyer, Louise A.
AU - Mackie, Helen
AU - Boyages, John
PY - 2016/9/1
Y1 - 2016/9/1
N2 - Lower-limb lymphedema is an incurable illness manifesting as visible swelling enlarging the leg(s) and/or feet, buttocks, and genitals. This study used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore sexual well-being among women with primary (congenital) lymphedema (n = 11) or secondary lymphedema associated with gynecological cancer (n = 8). Five themes (subthemes) summarized women's responses, with Attractiveness and Confidence (Publicly Unattractive, Privately Unconfident, Lymphedema or Aging?) describing women's central concern. These body image-related concerns accounted for sexual well-being in association with Partner Support (Availability of Support, Languages of Support, Fears About Support) and the degree of Functional Interruptions (Lymphedema in Context, Enduring Impacts, Overcoming Interruptions). Successful Lymphedema Coping (Control, Acceptance) and self-perceived ability to fulfill a valued Sexual Role also affected sexual well-being. Few differences between women with primary versus secondary lymphedema were evident. Lymphedema clinicians should screen for sexual concerns and have referral options available.
AB - Lower-limb lymphedema is an incurable illness manifesting as visible swelling enlarging the leg(s) and/or feet, buttocks, and genitals. This study used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore sexual well-being among women with primary (congenital) lymphedema (n = 11) or secondary lymphedema associated with gynecological cancer (n = 8). Five themes (subthemes) summarized women's responses, with Attractiveness and Confidence (Publicly Unattractive, Privately Unconfident, Lymphedema or Aging?) describing women's central concern. These body image-related concerns accounted for sexual well-being in association with Partner Support (Availability of Support, Languages of Support, Fears About Support) and the degree of Functional Interruptions (Lymphedema in Context, Enduring Impacts, Overcoming Interruptions). Successful Lymphedema Coping (Control, Acceptance) and self-perceived ability to fulfill a valued Sexual Role also affected sexual well-being. Few differences between women with primary versus secondary lymphedema were evident. Lymphedema clinicians should screen for sexual concerns and have referral options available.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84978878053&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.06.002
DO - 10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.06.002
M3 - Article
C2 - 27434105
AN - SCOPUS:84978878053
SN - 1740-1445
VL - 18
SP - 123
EP - 134
JO - Body Image
JF - Body Image
ER -