Stroke survivors report loss of sexual desire, blurred gender roles, anger a...(old male while a 66 year-old wife said t...),Health

"There is no doubt that strokes have a profound effect on relationships and our research showed many of the physical, psychological, social and emotional issues a stroke can raise" says co-author Dr Ryan. "It is important to point out that stroke can happen at any age and many of the survivors who took part in our study were relatively young."

Four were aged between 33 and 43, two between 44 and 54, six between 55 and 65 and four between 66 and 78. The time since their stroke ranged from two months to four years, with an average of 18 months.

As a result of the study the researchers have come up with four key recommendations for clinical practice.

These recommendations are:

• Nurse education should focus on both the physical and psychosocial effects of stroke so that nurses can provide holistic care to stroke survivors and their spouses.
• Health care professionals and service providers must recognise and be sensitive to the profound impact of stroke on sexuality and sexual function.
• Statutory counselling services should be available to people with stroke and their spouses on both an acute and long-term basis to help them
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