Resumo

LEDON LLANES, Loraine et al. Sexual and bodily experiences in persons with endocrinopathies: results of studies in Cuba and Perú. Rev Cubana Endocrinol [online]. 2008, vol.19, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2953.

The gender constructions, the meanings of the body and the senses attributed to the health-disease process are essential for the structuring of identities. To understand the meanings of the sexual experiences of persons living with endocrinopathies causing modifications in the physical appearance, 2 exploratory studies were conducted: one with 15 Peruvian subjects, and another with 7 Cuban individuals. All of them were female and male adults. In-depth interviews were made, and the theoretical triangulation was used for their validation. It was found that sexuality is made from a normative sense that demands coherence between the biological sex, the gender experiences and the ways to represent the body. The disease, the body changes and the difficulties to fulfill the gender roles and expectations (traditional) break this expected coherence and have a great impact on the sexuality and the identity processes. Although there are differences according to the cultural context, gender and the particularities of the disease process, the individuals refer not to accomplish the sexual normative and the gender roles and expectations from their most traditional definitions. The article provides reflections and general recommendations to positively influence on the realities of life of these patients.

Palavras-chave : Sexuality; body; gender; identity.