Superordinate and subordinate themes
| Superordinate themes | Theme 1 Physical intimacy | Theme 2 Emotional intimacy | Theme 3 Image of self | Theme 4 Role of the Healthcare Professional |
| Subthemes | An overwhelming exhaustion | Pressure to perform | Self-loathing | Previous experience |
| The ‘third party’ | Self preservation | Acceptance of self | A taboo topic | |
| Palpitations and paramedics | A problem shared | Carer vs lover | The ideal scenario | |
| Adaptation and experimentation | ||||
| Practical difficulties | ||||