Women’s experiences of sexuality after spinal cord injury: a UK perspective

Abstract

Sexuality remains an important, valued aspect of female identity following SCI; sexual activity continues and though altered remains enjoyable and rewarding. Sexuality rehabilitation should commence early, preparing women for altered sexual sensation, disclosure of altered sexual function to partners, and encouraging early self-exploration. Techniques optimising continence management in preparation for and during sex should be taught. Participants identified a need for women-only education and support groups, increased peer support, self-esteem, communication and social skills training and even fashion advice and pampering sessions during rehabilitation. Support and education for partners are needed. Staff require support to be knowledgeable and confident in addressing women's sexuality needs. Use of the Ex-PLISSIT model for psychosexual support could help staff to better meet these needs.

Views and Experiences of Sex, Sexuality and Relationships Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of the Qualitative Literature

“…Eight papers specifically examined the subject of sexual rehabilitation and education [21,22,29,33,40,41,44,48] and a further ten papers explored this in more general terms [20, 24-26, 28, 31, 34, 36, 37, 45]. Overall, the literature suggests a general dissatisfaction with sexual rehabilitation and sex education for people with SCI.…”

“…The literature focuses on who is best placed to deliver sex education. Two papers suggest that peer-support might be useful [34,48] in that it allows individuals to speak with someone in a similar position who would not be judgmental. As one participant articulates: I think it is better having someone who has been through it, rather than an able-bodied person.…”

Sexual Knowledge and Experience of Women with Spinal Cord Injury in the Community Level in Bangladesh

“…Always try to cope with the present situation and influence their husband to maintain a good relation. In relate to other study women's altered sexuality caused difficulties for some partners and also woman's inability to orgasm could be construed as personal failure [7].…”

“…Participants felt that healthcare professionals (HCPs) lack knowledge, are too embarrassed to discuss sex. One qualitative study among women with SCI living in the community in United Kingdom (UK) and recommended thatwomen wanted HCPs to be knowledgeable and approachable about sexuality; in education about sexuality after SCI, participants wanted more emphasis on reproduction rather than on enjoyment and the emotional aspects of sex [7]. Another qualitative study was conductedamong twenty four SCI women participants and clearlymentioned that a rehabilitation team is needed to inform about sexuality changes of post SCI injury therefore sexuality education and counselling started soon after being diagnosed [8].…”

“…Spinal cord injury changes the life style and they need to know how to cope with their life [6]. Knowledge about altered sexuality which goes beyond fertility topics to promote an enjoyable sexual life [7]. Maasoumi et al [8] found that in Iranian women with complete spinal cord injury reported that their rehabilitation team provides a little information for their sexuality understanding need through educational program.…”