Impact of Spinal Cord Injury on Women’s Sexuality

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of spinal cord injury on women’s sexuality. This is a qualitative study with 15 women with spinal cord injury and with at least six months of evolution, residing in the Northeast of Brazil. Content analysis was used for data exploration. There were significant biopsychosocial changes after the spinal cord injury. Body transformations have mobilized feelings and attitudes of resilience, indifference or dissatisfaction with self-image. After the event of spinal cord injury, autoeroticism through masturbation remained infrequent. Sexual practice was described as qualitatively worse, with less sexual desire, impaired lubrication and frequent anorgasmia. The quality of sexual life of the women interviewed has worsened due to the absence or difficulty of feeling pleasure in the touch of the body. Although less frequent and less pleasurable, there was a possibility of reframing sexuality after spinal cord injury by discovering other aspects, such as touch and scent. The data shows the need for strategies implemented by the multi-professional rehabilitation team to offer guidance on sexuality for women with spinal cord injuries.