Sexuality in people with a lower limb amputation: a topic too hot to handle?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze whether, and by whom sexuality is discussed in amputation departments. The focus was on whether professionals received questions about sexuality from their patients with a lower limb amputation and whether they addressed sexuality themselves, as well as on the knowledge and comfort level, approach and attitudes toward sexuality of these professionals. Method: An online questionnaire, including questions on self-perceived sexological competence and the Knowledge, Comfort, Approach and Attitudes towards Sexuality Scale. Results: Seventy-eight percent of the professionals had not received questions about sexuality from their patients and 67% had not addressed sexuality. Self-perceived knowledge about sexuality and self-perceived ability to recognize sexual problems increased the odds of receiving a question about sexuality and the odds of addressing this issue. Conclusions: Sexuality is rarely discussed by professionals in the amputation department. It is, however, the responsibility of the professional to do so. By addressing sexuality in a systematic way and discussing this as a common topic professionals "give permission'' to patients and other team members to discuss eventual sexual problems or concerns. Therefore, the professionals' self-perceived sexological competence and feeling of comfort with the topic of sexuality need to be increased.