Exploring Sexual Wellbeing from the Perspective of Persons with Chronic Pain

Abstract Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that can impact all aspects of daily living including sexual wellbeing. Previous research has focused on biomedical aspects of pain and the negative impacts of pain on sexual activities. More recent research shows that sexual wellbeing has been linked to psychological and physiological benefits. However, a gap in research remains which engages with individuals with chronic pain to understand their perspectives on sexual wellbeing, including their participation in sexual activities, and whether they have experienced any benefit from participation. To address this, online semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Australians with chronic pain. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), three themes were produced: (1) Sexual wellbeing can still be valued and enjoyable, (2) Sexual wellbeing is influenced by those around us, and (3) The challenges of navigating sexual wellbeing within society and healthcare context. Findings indicated that despite the negative impacts of chronic pain, participants emphasised the importance of engaging in sexual expression as a means and end to improving sexual wellbeing and help manage pain. Sexual wellbeing was associated with feelings of empowerment, pleasure, connection, and love. Pleasure could also act as a form of pain relief. Open and honest communication from partner(s) and healthcare professionals is important to support sexual wellbeing. However, sexual wellbeing is currently largely neglected. Healthcare professionals therefore have an important role to play in initiating this topic and ensure individuals with chronic pain receive the necessary education and resources to address this important aspect of health and wellbeing.