Answer:
by Elizabeth McNeff: (06/02/2004)
Resumption of sexual activity is very personal and
individualized. There are physical variables to
consider--severity and level of SCI, whether the injury is
complete or incomplete, physical condition at time of
injury, for example. Psychological issues such as
self-efficacy, self-esteem and body image add another
dimension.
While some people with disabilities tell me they were
thinking about sexual activity and function soon after
injury, many were not actually thinking about having sex.
There are a lot of other things going on after a traumatic
injury--learning to dress, bathe, do bowel and bladder care,
drive and simply live with a disability. Whatıs more,
managed care has left virtually no time for people to think
about sexuality when they have such a short time to learn
about the physical aspects of their disability. For example,
the average length of stay in rehabilitation in the Portland
metropolitan area is 12 days for newly injured paraplegics
and 21-24 days for quads!
During rehab, some people want to talk about sexuality while
others donıt wish to discuss the topic at all. The most
important thing is to have quality information--literature,
videos, brochures--available when a person is ready to ask,
as well as access to a professional who has training in the
field of sexuality and disability. Allied health care
professions should be aware of the resources available, and
be prepared to make referrals as requested. Here are three
recommendations:
= Sexuality Reborn, video by Marca Sipski and Craig
Alexander, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation;
(800) 248-3221 x6977 or email: mlentine@kmrrec.org
= Enabling Romance: A guide to Love, Sex, and
Relationships for the Disabled (and the People Who Care
About Them) by Ken Kroll and Erica Levy Kline, Woodbine
House, 1995; 800/843-7323.
= http://www.sexualhealth.com/, Mitch Tepperıs excellent Web
site.
--Lizzi McNeffReviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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