It can be difficult for women who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) to Afind information on sexuality. Danie Breedt debunks some of the myths
According to a study by Ferreiro-Velasco and colleagues (2005), 69 percent of women with SCIs are satisfied with their current sexual activity. This could be a very encouraging statistic for women who wonder about their sexual future.
However, they also found that 77 percent of women feel that the information they received about sexuality after a SCI was either insufficient or non-existent. It might, therefore, be helpful to debunk some of the most common myths.
No sexual desire after SCI
Women do not lose their sexual desire after a SCI, and can still have a rewarding sex life. Fears over changes in sexual function may decrease as you become more comfortable with your body and aware of your own sexuality.
You may also find that there are other parts of sexuality that may satisfy you and your partner more. People who approach sex with an open mind and a willingness to experiment to find out what works and does not work after their injury tend to have the most success and reported satisfaction.
No ability to have sex or orgasm
Following a SCI, there are two main ways that intercourse is affected physically: Lack of physical sensation (extent depending on the level of injury and whether it is complete or incomplete); and possible lack of lubrication. For the latter, a water-based lubricant can be used to assist initially, but focussing on other forms of arousal could, in time, also assist with natural lubrication.
There are two pathways to arousal, namely, reflexogenic (response to sensual touching) and psychogenic (psychological sexual sensations such as sexual thoughts, sights, smells, or sounds). As the reflexogenic pathway might be blocked due to the lack of sensation, exercising the psychogenic reflex could be helpful in having a satisfying sexual experience and even lead to orgasm.
Reaching orgasm might take longer than it did before but being patient and exploring your body with your partner can be helpful. Physical stimulation on areas that do have sensation or using assistive devices such as vibrators and gentle suction devices might also assist in reaching orgasm.
Menstruation, fertility and pregnancy
Menstrual periods frequently stop for a time after a SCI due to the shock the body has received from the injury. Menstrual periods will usually start again within three to six months. A SCI does not affect fertility (or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases), which means that safe sexual practices should still be implemented.
If the intention is to fall pregnant, this is likely still as possible as before the injury. It would be helpful to consult with a doctor who specialises in fertility and has an understanding of SCIs to guide you in the medical considerations of pregnancy, labour and parenting as it specifically relates to your condition.
Dr Danie Breedt is a passionate scholar-practitioner in the field of psychology. He divides his time between training, research and clinical practice. Danie works from an integrative interactional approach in psychotherapy, dealing with a wide range of emotional difficulties and sexual rehabilitation for patients with disabilities.
He is the co-owner of Charis Psychological Services, a psychology practice that specialises in physical rehabilitation across South Africa.
