Sexual rehabilitation.

Sexual rehabilitation begins with an awareness of the potential for sex difficulties following any disruption in health. A thorough sex-functioning history and an exploration of the patient's (and partner's) expectations, limitations and potentials will enable the professional to understand the reasons why sex activity has not resumed after illness, accident or surgery and to offer appropriate therapy. Acceptance, validation, appropriate reassurance, accurate information and specific suggestion: these forms of "sex therapy" fall within the capabilities of every family physician. When applied early in the course of an illness, such interventions will initiate the process of sexual rehabilitation and may well prevent more severe dysfunction.