Sexual education in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: Current trends and recommendations

Tepper, Mitchell S.

doi:10.1007/bf01102245

Cited by 43 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…People with physical disabilities themselves may also be reluctant to receive information of a sexual nature. One of the common reasons for this is that the sexual materials and health professionals are not sensitized to the patient's needs during their recovery period (52,53). The informants in this study clearly indicated that they were not interested in sexual education because of the insensitive attitude of health professionals they had experienced.…”

Section: Environmental Factor: a Professional Awarenessmentioning

confidence: 71%

Sexual Issues and Concerns: Tales of Chinese Women with Spinal Cord Impairments

Yau

2006

Sex Disabil

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Background: Much has been written about the pathophysiological impact of spinal cord impairment (SCI) on sexual function in women, yet the literature offers only sparse coverage of its psychological and emotional impacts on female sexuality, and the factors which may influence the maintenance of sexual identity as a woman with physical disability. Methodology: To gain insights into sexual experiences and concerns, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Chinese women with SCI. Narrative data on marital relationships, sexual identity, sexual knowledge, and sexual satisfaction was transcribed and the content analyzed. Results: When disability intrudes in a woman's life, sexuality is reshaped against the foundation of previous sexual experiences and expectations, especially for women who acquired disabilities in adulthood. Constructions of sexuality among these women encompassed broader areas than the sexual act alone. These included the couple's adjustment to her disabilities, society's perception of a woman's image, internalization of messages about women's roles within the family, the attitude of health professionals towards sexuality, and the onset of disability. Conclusion: Sexuality is an important health concern for women who live with long-term physical disabilities and should be acknowledged by sensitive and responsive health practices. Health care professionals need to renounce the sexual myths and stereotypes and genuinely attempt to understand the possible impact of SCI on women's sexuality.

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Section: Environmental Factor: a Professional Awarenessmentioning

confidence: 71%

Sexual Issues and Concerns: Tales of Chinese Women with Spinal Cord Impairments

Yau

2006

Sex Disabil

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“…Education and counseling for sexuality are often poorly incorporated into the rehabilitation process. 16,17 Therefore, based on the present findings, rehabilitation physicians and faculties need to integrate person-toperson tailored sexual education and sexual counseling services as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, in consideration of the individuals' academic background.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Sexual activity and sexual satisfaction in Korean men with spinal cord injury

2015

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Study design: A cross-sectional survey. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify and assess the sexual activity and perceived sexual satisfaction of Korean males with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to identify factors influencing sexuality and satisfaction. Setting: Community residents with SCI. Methods: A total of 139 male participants with SCI in Korea were eligible for inclusion in this study. All participants completed a faceto-face interview regarding sexuality and satisfaction, as well as structured questionnaires including items on socioeconomic factors, medical conditions and rehabilitation services. Results: A total of 90 participants (65%) were engaged in sexual activity. A period of 21-25 years since SCI (compared with the initial 5 years since SCI) and an experience of direct sexual rehabilitation education were positively associated with sexual activity. Among 90 sexually active males with SCI, 8 (8.9%) and 56 (62.2%) were sexually satisfied and unsatisfied, respectively. Lower levels of education were strongly correlated with sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Korean males with SCI showed low levels of satisfaction regarding sexual activities. Results showed that socioeconomic factors (e.g., state of employment and direct person-to-person sexual counseling services) had a greater impact on sexual activity than the degree of physical impairment. Notably, the educational background was the most influential factor on sexual satisfaction.

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“…Unfortunately, talking about sexuality can be challenging for both clinicians and clients. [4][5][6] In a survey of 458 individuals with SCI, only 8% had initiated a discussion of sexual concerns 7 although most wanted more education and counseling. Consumers' comfort level for discussing sexuality was greatest with another person with SCI followed by doctors, nurses, psychologists, rehabilitation counselors, and social workers.…”

Section: Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving Sexual Satisfaction in Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries: Collective Wisdom

Alexander

Courtois

Elliott

et al. 2017

Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

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Sexuality is an important part of life, and it is necessary for clinicians to have a specific format in which to address sexual issues with their patients. A systematic approach to working with patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve their sexual functioning and response is presented. Nonjudgmental communication about sexual concerns is followed by a detailed pre-and postinjury medical, psychosocial, and sexual history. If preexisting sexual issues are present, it is recommended that the patient be referred for assessment and treatment of these separate from the patient's SCI-related concerns. Physical examination, with special attention to issues that could impact the patient's sexuality, is followed by a detailed neurologic assessment with specific attention to the T11-L2 and S3-5 spinal segments. Education of the patient with regard to his or her sexual potential and the need to be flexible in his or her sexual repertoire is followed by self-exploration and practice. Routine follow-up is suggested after patient's initial sexual exploration. Treatment of confounding and iatrogenic factors related to SCI is followed by more sexual experience. Afterwards the clinician is encouraged to use simple techniques to treat sexual issues and follow-up with the patient to assess the outcome. A structured program utilizing vibratory stimulation with or without midodrine is described as a way to achieve ejaculation and potentially orgasm, and techniques for treating severe autonomic dysreflexia are discussed. If these interventions do not alleviate the patient's sexual concerns, the clinician should refer the patient for more specialized consultation.

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Sexual education in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: Current trends and recommendations

Cited by 43 publications

References 8 publications

Sexual Issues and Concerns: Tales of Chinese Women with Spinal Cord Impairments

Sexual Issues and Concerns: Tales of Chinese Women with Spinal Cord Impairments

Sexual activity and sexual satisfaction in Korean men with spinal cord injury

Improving Sexual Satisfaction in Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries: Collective Wisdom

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