(1) Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Urology, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5118.;(2) Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Urology, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5118.
Abstract:
Ethnographic methods were used to gather illness narratives on 11 men and 38 women diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC). Content analysis using the Spradley ethnographic method reveals that patients directly link IC pain to diminished sexual functioning. We conclude: (1) Patients with IC are deeply concerned about diminished sexual function. Physicians and rehabilitation specialists should actively investigate and treat this problem. (2) Management of IC pain is inadequate and leads to disability and changes in sexual practices. (3) Linking treatments for sexual dysfunction with appropriate pain management strategies could substantially improve the quality of life for patients with IC. Structural factors in medical delivery along with health insurance policies reduce patient access to a comprehensive and interdisciplinary set of needed health interventions that could make a difference in the treatment of persistent pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. Recognition of these structural issues is the key to improved health service delivery.
