General information on sexuality and sexual functioning after SCI
Spinal cord injuries can impact you in many different ways. Changes can occur in sexual drive or interest, sexual functioning abilities, fertility, self-esteem, and relationships. There are many factors associated with spinal cord injuries such as pain, spasticity, paralysis, decreased sensation, decreased bowel/bladder function and autonomic dysreflexia which can impact your sexuality. For more information on the impacts a spinal cord injury could have on sexuality, look through the resources below.
More Resources on Sexuality and Sexual Functioning:
Sexuality Spinal Cord Injury Manual developed by the Regional SCI Center of the Delaware Valley – PDF, 48 pages: Sexuality-Spinal Cord Injury Manual (jefferson.edu) This PDF discusses how spinal cord impairments can affect the way you feel about yourself as well as how spinal cord impairments can affect the way that you function sexually. There is a lot of information in this packet and it may be worth exploring in segments.
Living Your Life: Sexuality following SCI Booklet developed by Dr. Mitchell S. Tepper, PHD, MPH who brings first-hand experience to ending the silence around sexuality and disability – PDF, 20 pages: SexualityFollowingSCIBooklet.pdf (unitedspinal.org) This PDF discusses the human sexual response cycle, possible effects of spinal cord injuries on sexual function and response, and suggested resources.
Sexuality 101 – developed by Spinal Cord Injury BC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with SCI and their families adjust, adapt, and thrive – website: SCI Sexual Health - Sexuality 101 This website provides an introduction to some of the most common questions that are asked about sex and sexuality following spinal cord injury. It will discuss some common beliefs and myths, as well as some tips for getting you started.
Sexuality 201 – Sex after SCI developed by Spinal Crod Injury BC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with SCI and their families adjust, adapt, and thrive – website: Sexuality 201, Spinal Cord Injury and Sex - SCI Sexual Health Site This website reviews how the body normally works during sexual activity, what changes after a spinal cord injury, and what you can do to improve your responses.
Unites Spinal Association Resources: For information on medical considerations associated with spinal cord injury, click here: Medical Considerations - United Spinal Association This link will take you to United Spinal Association resources where you can learn more about medical considerations and sexual activity.
This link Overview and General Resources - United Spinal Association will take you to general sexual health information with links provided based on certain topics created by the United Spinal Association.
Specific Information for Males and Females
The information below gives a general overview of how a spinal cord injury may impact sexual function in males. This PDF was developed by Craig Hospital and more information can be found here: Male Sexuality After Spinal Cord Injury - Craig Hospital
PDF: 785.Sexual-Function-for-Men-After-Spinal-Cord-Injury.pdf (craighospital.org)
Click here to view a video resource created by a nurse practitioner from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab on male sexual functioning.
The information below gives a general overview of how a spinal cord injury may impact sexual function in females. This PDF was developed by Craig Hospital and more information can be found here: Female Sexuality After Spinal Cord Injury - Craig Hospital
PDF: 786.Sexual-Function-for-Women-After-Spinal-Cord-Injury.pdf (craighospital.org)
At the bottom of the page you will see a video resource that goes a little more in detail on sexual functioning for women.
Here is a video resource that goes a little more in detail on sexual functioning for women created by a nurse practitioner from Craig Hospital: Sexual Function for Women After Spinal Cord Injury (youtube.com)
United Spinal Association Resources: More information on sexuality for females with spinal cord injuries. This link takes you to United Spinal Association resources where you can learn more about sexuality for women with spinal cord injury: Women with Spinal Cord Injury: Intimacy - United Spinal Association
This link Women's Health Resources - My Shepherd Connection will take you to information specific to women’s health resources created by the Shepherd Center. You can find information specific to questions to ask your OBGYN, diet and exercise, pregnancy, parenting, medical care, fashion, dating, intimacy, and sex positions.