Sister-in-Arms: Who We’re Fighting for and Why it Matters

At Prowl The LAB, our core belief is that sexuality is not a luxury or an afterthought—it’s a cornerstone of optimal health and human dignity. Our mission is to shine a light on the intersectionality between disease status and sexuality, to educate, to advance research in sexual wellness, and to offer unwavering support to women, girls, parents, couples, and communities navigating these complex journeys. Our vision is a world in which every woman, regardless of her diagnosis, identity, or circumstance, is empowered to own her sexuality, access holistic care, and achieve her fullest measure of well-being.

Why Sexuality Matters for Women Facing Disease, Trauma, and Different-Abilities

Sexual wellness is a fundamental dimension of quality of life, as echoed by both the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association. For women experiencing illness, trauma, or living with different-abilities, sexuality often becomes complicated—not only by physical changes, but by psychological, relational, and social dynamics as well.

Sexual dysfunction in women is rarely the result of a single factor. It can stem from hormonal imbalances, necessary medications, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or the lasting effects of cancer treatments. It can also be exacerbated by pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and the deeply personal impact these shifts have on identity and relationships. Women with different-abilities, in particular, may experience challenges related to their conditions or face social stigma that diminishes their sexual self-concept and access to care.

Women Navigating Cancer

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, and its impact on sexual health is often profound. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women, is followed by lung, colorectal, and cervical cancers—all of which carry treatments that can disrupt hormonal balance, body image, libido, and physical function. According to the American Cancer Society, the side effects of these treatments—while sometimes life-saving—can lead to pain, dryness, loss of sensation, or diminished desire. The emotional toll is significant: for many women, changes in their bodies can bring about grief, anxiety, or a sense of isolation from their partners and themselves.

Women with Different-Abilities

For women with different-abilities, challenges are both visible and invisible. The CDC reports that arthritis, rheumatism, and mobility impairments are leading causes of disability among women, often resulting in pain, changes in body function, and obstacles to traditional sexual expression. Social stigma or lack of accessible resources further compounds these issues. Far too often, women with different-abilities are desexualized or excluded from conversations about pleasure and intimacy, leaving them underserved by healthcare and unsupported by society.

Survivors and Thrivers of Trauma

Trauma—including physical, sexual, or emotional violence—impacts every aspect of a woman’s life, including her sexual identity and well-being. The psychological aftermath—post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression—can create barriers to trust, arousal, and fulfillment. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in four women will experience severe intimate partner violence or sexual assault, underscoring the urgent need for trauma-informed support and healing-centered resources.Trauma, particularly related to violence against women, can lead to sexual dysfunction.

Marginalized Communities and LGBTQIA+ Women

Women of color, those living in poverty, and older women encounter additional barriers to sexual wellness. Medical bias and systemic inequities often mean their concerns are dismissed or deprioritized. Harmful sexualization—such as hypersexualized media portrayals—objectifies and dehumanizes women of color, while “absent sexualization” erases the sexual agency of older or disabled women. These narratives can damage self-image and limit access to affirming care.

LGBTQIA+ women, including lesbian, queer, and transgender individuals, face even further complexity. They often encounter discrimination and a lack of provider education on their health needs, layered atop the challenges of living with illness or different-abilities. Research highlights that nearly 60% of LGBTQIA+ cancer survivors feel their care teams are unprepared or uncomfortable addressing their sexual wellness. For many, the result is increased isolation, risk for mental health challenges, and unmet needs for sexual and reproductive health.

Another concern is absent sexualization which occurs when certain groups of women are desexualized due to societal biases and stereotypes. This is particularly prevalent among older women, where aging bodies are often stripped of their sexual identity in media portrayals and, consequently, in healthcare considerations. At Prowl The LAB, we counteract this narrative by actively including elder women in conversations about sexuality and offering resources that affirm their sexual agency.

The Prowl The LAB Approach: Educate, Research, and Support

At Prowl The LAB, our goals are clear, actionable, and rooted in our belief that healthy sexuality is inseparable from optimal quality of life—a truth supported by both the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association. Our mission encompasses:

1. To Educate.We provide inclusive, evidence-based resources and foster open dialogue about sexuality and health—free from shame or stigma. Through workshops, expert interviews, and supportive community conversations, we break down barriers to understanding and self-advocacy.

2. To Advance Research.We champion research at the intersection of disease status and sexuality, driving forward studies that illuminate the connection between sexual wellness and overall well-being for women of all backgrounds.

3. To Provide Greater Support.We connect women, parents, girls, and couples to compassionate communities, peer mentors, and specialized providers, empowering each person to advocate for their needs and celebrate every step of their journey.

4. To Create a Safe, Shame-Free Community.Above all, we are dedicated to building a non-judgmental, shame-free sanctuary where every individual feels welcomed, respected, and valued. Here, vulnerability is met with compassion, everyone’s story is honored, and women are empowered to explore and express their sexuality as a vital dimension of health and happiness.

Prowl The LAB understands that true optimal health and well-being can only be achieved when healthy sexuality is embraced as a fundamental right—and when everyone has the support, knowledge, and community they need to thrive.

Why Our Work Matters

Healthy sexuality is about far more than intercourse or reproduction. It’s about self-image, pleasure, intimacy, personal agency, and the freedom to express oneself fully—no matter the challenges life brings. When sexual wellness is overlooked, so too are the roots of confidence, connection, and joy.

At Prowl The LAB, we actively resist narratives that erase or distort women’s sexuality. We counter absent sexualization by ensuring older women, women with different-abilities, and marginalized groups are at the center—not the margins—of every conversation. We fight harmful sexualization by fostering environments of respect, consent, and holistic appreciation for each woman’s story.

A Community United for Change

Our work is about more than resources or research—it’s about solidarity and transformation.

Together, we are redefining what it means to thrive. At Prowl The LAB, every woman’s voice matters, every story is honored, and the journey toward health and sexual empowerment is one we walk together.

"Before I found Prowl The LAB, I felt like I was navigating my health journey in the dark. But through their wealth of resources and supportive community, I found my way. I learned to advocate for myself, to seek the care I deserve, and to celebrate every step of my recovery. Now, I stand empowered and informed, and I know I'm not alone. Together, we are stronger." - Alex, Prowl The LAB Community Member

For women experiencing sexual​ dysfunction, whether due to chronic conditions, cancer treatments, disability, or trauma, it's important to remember that help is available and improvement is possible. Your sexual well-being is an integral part of your overall health, and it's your right to seek the care and support you need.