Bed Death and Other Lesbian Sexual Problems Unraveled: A Qualitative Study of the Sexual Health of Lesbian Women Involved in a Relationship |
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| Authors: | K. A. W. L. van Rosmalen-Nooijens MD Student C. M. Vergeer MD A. L. M. Lagro-Janssen MD PhD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Women's Studies Medical Sciences , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands;2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen , The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT Objectives: To shed light on lesbian “bed death” among lesbian women. To explore the wishes and expectations of lesbian women with respect to healthcare professionals. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 30 self-identified lesbian women. The interviews were audio recorded. Three researchers classified and analyzed the most important themes. Results: The women indicated few sexual problems except for “bed death,” a quasi-complete cessation of sexual activity. Twenty-three women experienced “bed death” during the current relationship or a previous one. The factors felt by the women to contribute to “bed death” were environmental influences, the existence of a symbiotic relationship, hormonal factors, and reduced sexual initiative. The women indicated that they would like family doctors to adopt a neutral attitude, be knowledgeable about homosexuality, and be able to recognize homosexuality in their patients. Discussion: A careful examination of the potential causes of “bed death” suggests that the phenomenon is more closely linked to a patient's gender than to her sexual orientation. Lesbian women would also like general practitioners to possess at least some basic knowledge about homosexuality. |
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| Keywords: | Lesbian bed death sexual health sexual problems homosexuality GP |
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