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I have spina bifida. It is a lower bifida and I have full control of bowel and bladder and walk with aids. My right knee is fused so it will not bend. My left leg is flexible. My questions are, that I have been told by several physicians that I don't have full sensation in the genital area and therefore likel...The remainder of this question has been lost. - Eds.
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Answer:
by Annette Owens: (05/25/2004)
Your doctors probably assumed that not having full sensation in the genital area would affect your sexual response. How wonderful for you that you are able to have orgasms by yourself and with a partner. You clearly have overcome the physical obstacle of reduced sensation. It is not uncommon for people with spinal cord injuries to develop erogenous zones in their
body where sensation is intact. Have you ever tried to stimulate your genital area with running water while you take a bath? If not give it a try, you may enjoy it.
The pea-sized shape upon entrance to the vagina is called "clitoris." In women with full genital sensation the clitoris usually is a very sensitive area. Many women are able to get orgasms by stimulating the clitoris for a while (clitoral orgasm). There are other forms for orgasm as well: vaginal orgasm from the
thrusting motion of a penis or dildo/vibrator inserted into the vagina. Finally, orgasms can occur by touching of other erogenous areas of the body, or when viewing erotic materials.
I would like to recommend three books to you: 1) "Becoming Orgasmic" by Julia Heiman and Joseph LoPiccolo (1992) has good anatomical
explanations and illustrations. You can find it on the "References" page on my website
www.cvillewellness.com, and you can buy it from
Amazon.com by clicking on the author’s name.
2) "The New Good Vibrations Guide To Sex" by Cathy Winks and Anne Semans can be bought through
www.goodvibes.com. It is an excellent source for awealth of information regarding sex.
3) "Intimate Resources for Persons with Disabilities" by Susan D.Wheeler and Linda Crabtree. ISBN 0-9693131-9-5;Published by Sureen Publishing, Box 23102, 124 Welland Ave., St. Catharines, ON L2R 7P6 Canada. The book lists a lot of information, products and services to assist people with disabilities.
Here are a few suggestions for comfortable positions for intercourse: You mentioned that your right knee is fused and unable to bend, but your left leg is flexible. In order to take some pressure off your back and make it easier for your partner to balance you can try to both
lie on your sides, either facing each other or him facing your back. Try to experiment using some pillows for your legs. You could for example try lying on your right side and have your left leg bent and elevated a little bit, supported by a pillow under your knee. This
way it may be easier for your partner to enter from behind, which you seem to enjoy. He also would have his arms free and this way he could caress your body (including your breasts if you like that) with his hands at the same time.
Another position which many women find easier for
orgasms than the missionary position, is if you are on top of your partner who is lying on his back. If he is close to the edge of the bed you may be able to have your right leg stretched out along the side of the bed, maybe supported by some pillows under your foot. You could bend your left knee, and sit on top of your partner, while you support your upper body with your
stretched out arms. Your hands would be on each side of his head. In this position, you can control the level of motion, and the thrusting motion. It may take a few attempts, and together you may figure out a comfortable way to get into this position.
The third position you could try, is have you sitting in a comfortable chair, possibly supported by some soft pillows behind your back. Your partner may be able to enter you while facing you. Here you probably have to find a height that is comfortable for your partner. If a chair is too low, try a table. You can even support one or both of your legs with chairs.
I hope that I have given you a few ideas. Don’t forget to laugh if you suddenly find yourself all tangled up. It will probably take some time finding positions that are comfortable for both of you. But it will hopefully be worth it.
Good luck
Sincerely,
Annette Owens, MD PhDReviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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