Women with Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A Phenomenological Study of Sexual Experiences

Abstract

This study examines psychosocial, emotional, and relationship aspects of sexuality in the lives of 15 women who sustained complete spinal cord injury (SCI) between the levels of T6 and L2. Phenomenological interviews were organized to chronologically sequence events with the intention of describing the trajectory of sexuality in women with complete SCI. A set of themes emerged from postinjury data that were labeled cognitive-genital dissociation, sexual disenfranchisement, and sexual rediscovery. Broadening the scope of the research beyond the physiological offers insight as to the interplay between the mind and sexual response and guidance for educational and therapeutic interventions.

A Mindfulness Psychoeducational Group Intervention Targeting Sexual Adjustment for Women with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

“…In addition, bladder and bowel issues and autonomic dysreflexia are known to negatively impact sexual activity and intercourse [12]. Furthermore, the length of time required to adjust to sexual health challenges post-SCI may take upwards of one to two decades, and is often reliant on the presence and involvement of a long-term partner and remaining open-minded to sexual pursuits [15].…”

Sexuality among People with Physical Disability

“…[16,25] Bu durumun kadınların geleneksel olarak daha hassas, daha duygusal, paylaşımcı olmaları ve genital işlevlerine daha az dikkatlerini vermelerinden kaynaklandığı belirtilmektedir. [16,26,30,31] Fiziksel engelliliğin başlangıcında cinsel alışmanın zorlukları olduğu tartı-şılmakla birlikte, McCabe ve arkadaşlarının yaptığı çalışmada daha uzun süre-dir fiziksel bozuklukları olan insanların fiziksel bozulmalarının şiddetinin zamanla artmasına rağmen, cinsellikleri hakkında daha olumlu duygular için-de oldukları bildiirlmiştir. [26] Bu, engelli insanların engellilik süresi uzadıkça cinsellik açısında daha mutlu olduğunu göstermektedir.…”

La sexualidad de las personas con lesión medular: aspectos psicológicos y sociales. Una revisión actualizada

“…Se reclama con insistencia este tipo de asesoramiento, ya que no resulta habitual pese a ser ampliamente demandado. Se aboga por la necesidad de una guía de educación y asesoramiento sexual en el proceso de rehabilitación y de una adecuada transmisión de la información (Anderson, Mulcahey y Vogel, 1997;Charlifue, Gerhart, Menter, Whiteneck y Manley, 1992;Fitting et al, 1978;Richards, Tepper, Whipple y Komisaruk, 1997;Sawyer, Allen, Reisin, 1983;Tepper, Whipple, Richards y Komisaruk, 2001;Zwerner, 1982).…”

“…Las propias PcLM, las parejas que conviven con ellas y el personal sanitario son los principales colectivos estudiados. Así, encontramos estudios que abordan por separado, varones, por un lado, (Phelps et al, 2001;Phelps et al, 1983y Sjogren y Egberg, 1983, y mujeres, por otro, (Anderson et al, 1997;Black et al,1998;Charlifue et al, 1992;Ferreiro-Velasco et al, 2004;Harrison et al, 1995;Kettl, 1991;Leibowitz, 2003;Lysberg y Severinsson, 2003;Pentland et al, 2002;Richards et al, 1997;Sipski y Alexander, 1993;Tepper et al, 2001;Westgren et al, 1997;Whipple et al,1996), temas relativos a los factores asociados con la satisfacción sexual, las experiencias y tipos de relaciones vividas por estas personas, las necesidades y los problemas de ajuste sexual y los cambios aparecidos en esta esfera tras la lesión. Otros, por el contrario, comparan las diferencias en función del género en aspectos variados, p.e., experiencias, impacto emocional, autoestima, servicios de orientación, etc., (Benony et al, 2002;Donohue y Gebhard, 1995;Fisher et al, 2002;Guldin, 2000;Ide y Ogata, 1995;Lesky, 2001;Low y Zubir, 2000;McAlonan, 1996;Reitz, Tobe, Knapp y Schurch, 2004;Taleporos y McCabe, 2001;Tepper, 2002).…”

“…El abordaje de la sexualidad debe ser considerado parte esencial del "proceso de integración social" de las personas con LM (PcLM). Este colectivo demanda y reclama frecuentemente asesoramiento sobre el tema, pese a que sólo un pequeño porcentaje recibe información al respecto (Anderson, Mulcahey y Vogel, 1997;Charlifue, Gerhart, Menter, Whiteneck y Manley, 1992;Fitting et al, 1978;Richards, Tepper, Whipple y Komisaruk, 1997;Sawyer, Allen, Reisin, 1983;Tepper, Whipple, Richards y Komisaruk, 2001;Zwerner, 1982).…”