This is very hard to put into words without trying to offend anyone in particular.
For those patients that have been confined to their bed/room for long periods of time, is there enough privacy given to them where they can 'release' their tensions in the form of masturbation? Are spouses/partners allowed to be intimate with the patient? I know this is a touchy subject, no pun intended. But sexuality is part of recovery as there is proven facts of the benefits of an orgasm.
Please note, this thread is not intended to vulgarize this subject. Seriously. What is your opinion, if any, on this matter?
I see no harm in self or shared sexual satisfaction for patients. I think in many cases it can be beneficial to the well being and healing process. Depending on the case of course.
In a similar vein... as a urology nurse i was preparing a presentation for nursing staff about catheters when the topic of "sex with catheters" came up. The consultant urologist that i asked was horrified and said that he had never been asked such a question before.
I suppose in a way it proves that we as nurses do tend to 'think outside the square' so to speak.
Its human nature - go with it as long as it doesn't hurt anyone or is conducting in a lewd manner making you uncomfortable
I have heard on another discussion that you CAN have sex with a catheter in, the man just folds it up parallel to the member. I don't know where the semen goes, or if it comes out at all. Anyone know more?
One of our urologists has a booklet that answers questions like that, and it said afterwards to irrigate the catheter after sex because it can clog, and that leaking occurs due to cath manipulation.
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
There was a man in the LTC facility where I worked that waited until the lights were out at night, and then took care of business. The only thing was, the poor guy had an awfully squeaky bed, and we were seranaded nightly.:roll After awhile we got used to the noise and ignored it.
I've been saluted a few times by male residents who became infatuated with me.
back when I was an aid in a LTC facility, It was like a free for all on mourning rounds. Most of the residents were pretty decrypted both mentally and physically. When you pulled back the covers to get them out of bed, both male and female would reach strait down south.
At first It didn't bother me much, Id just get them dressed up. but after a while it started to get to me as I saw it day in day out. I guess thats why I don't do LTC now.
In the hospital I've walked in on a few couples, I just walk right back out. if they mention it later I just let them know they have no reason to be embarrassed and that next time ill knock louder and wait for a response before I come in.
I walked in on a couple in the bathroom once, she was 85 he was 87. Hey more power to them, i hope to have that much energy at that age and after hip replacements. (This happened at the nursing home i worked at)
Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.
Oh, this thread brings back the funniest memory. I work in a critical care unit that has cameras in all of the rooms. One of our patients (whose curtains were closed) had a ton of artifact on his ekg leads... his nurse turned on the camera to make sure that he wasn't getting out of bed or in trouble or anything...her face turned suddenly red and of course I had to see what was going on. The patients girlfriend (not his wife, who wasn't at the hospital at this time:eek: ) was giving him some love under the sheets...I can't remember what his nurse did after "intruding" via video, but she was sooooo embarrassed to have peeked in on this (she quickly fliiped to another camera feed....). The funny thing was, was that the patient had previously asked about the camera and if it was on...and he asked again later...
Of course, we had to make fun of her embarrassement for weeks, telling her that watching b-movies at work is not allowed.
As people have said earlier in this thread just knock and save yourself from the embarrassment. I'm impartial to the whole situation, especially for patients in longterm care facilities. I think after encountering patients masturbating so many times one becomes somewhat desensitized. But if it does bother you save yourself the embarrassment and just knock. you may not agree with it but I believe that nurses are in no position to judge patients on those kind of practices.
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
Oh, this thread brings back the funniest memory. I work in a critical care unit that has cameras in all of the rooms. One of our patients (whose curtains were closed) had a ton of artifact on his ekg leads... his nurse turned on the camera to make sure that he wasn't getting out of bed or in trouble or anything...her face turned suddenly red and of course I had to see what was going on. The patients girlfriend (not his wife, who wasn't at the hospital at this time ) was giving him some love under the sheets...I can't remember what his nurse did after "intruding" via video, but she was sooooo embarrassed to have peeked in on this (she quickly fliiped to another camera feed....). The funny thing was, was that the patient had previously asked about the camera and if it was on...and he asked again later...
Of course, we had to make fun of her embarrassement for weeks, telling her that watching b-movies at work is not allowed
I worked at a LTC facility that had an elderly married couple as residents. Mr. T was 88, Mrs. T was 86. It was common knowledge that you did not go into their room between 2:30 and 3:00 in the afternoon. That was just fine with me, but at 3:05, their call light would go on and you'd have to go help Mrs. T off the floor, while Mr. T leaned back on the bed with a very satisfied look on his face. Seems she could get down on her knees, but just couldn't get up by herself. God bless those two!!! They ended up passing away within 3 days of each other. I have never seen a more devoted couple and the sex??? So what!!! How wonderful to still feel that way in your 80's. :chuckle
:chuckle
angelbear
558 Posts
I see no harm in self or shared sexual satisfaction for patients. I think in many cases it can be beneficial to the well being and healing process. Depending on the case of course.