In the case of injury, the degree that the injury has on a persons sexual activities depend upon the nature and severity of the injury. Some injuries will effectively end a person's sex life whereas other, more severe injuries to areas such as to the back, neck, abdomen or pelvic area may require a prolonged suspension of sexual activity until healing is complete. Other injuries may require only a temporary suspension of activities.
Injuries to the hands, feet, arms and/or legs may require a couple to make adjustments in the sexual positions that are used during sex, but generally, after the initial pain and discomfort subsides, would likely not prevent them from enjoying sexual encounters. Amputations of one or more limbs would also require a suspension of sexual activity, at least until the initial pain and discomfort subside, but, baring unusual circumstances, sex may be resumed afterward.
The most likely issue facing a person who has undergone an amputation is that of his or her self-esteem. Many people suffer a severe drop in self-esteem after an amputation. They feel that they are no longer physically attractive, no longer a whole person, or both. This is especially true of women who have undergone mastectomies. Many feel that they are no longer a woman.
Support and understanding from the patient’s partner in instances of amputations is vital, particularly since while in the grief process, anger at the loss of the limb may emerge as being directed at the partner. Talking at length with his or her physician, seeking the assistance of a counselor trained in this type of therapy, and/or seeking out an amputee support group (either face-to-face or online) are highly recommended and would likely help greatly in restoring a person’s sense of self-worth.
As with amputations, in instances of paralysis, the patient will necessarily go through a grieving process. This can be difficult for the patient depending on his or her level of acceptance of the situation. At some point, the patient should honestly evaluate his or her condition and determine with what form of sexuality he or she may want to identify. For example, the patient may decide that sex is not that important and decide to become asexual. At any rate, the patient must evaluate what is sexually possible and what isn’t, given his or her condition.
Often it is not the illness or injury that dampens a couple's sex life, but rather the medication prescribed to cure the illness or alleviate the pain associated with the injury. Narcotic pain medications can have a numbing effect on the patient's brain, thereby lessening the sensitivity to physical stimuli. Chemical and radiation treatments for cancer and other conditions can have a devastating effect on a person's general physical condition. Other medications, including some anti-depressants, can lower a person's libido, cause vaginal dryness in women or, inhibit the ability of men to achieve an erection. Often, there are alternate medications that may be prescribed that may lessen these sexual side effects.
When confronted with any issue involving illness, injury or medication, you should not be hesitant to consult your physician.
In our next post, we will discuss Caregiving and Sexless Marriages
In the meantime, please visit our website, Sexual Solutions, LLC to learn how we can help you to “Bring back the sizzle!” Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about news, specials and new products.
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