Let's talk about sex : exploring sex and sexuality following Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Acquiring a spinal cord injury is an unexpected life-altering experience that changes the individual's life in a second. This life event can renders a previously mobile person to complete paralysis. Life is completely changed and an individual's reality is instantly disrupted. Persons who acquire a spinal cord injury experience massive changes in their lives as this impairment impacts their physical, psychological, social, emotional and economic well-being. Moreover, acquiring paralysis generates feelings of loss which are associated with a loss of motor and sensory function as well as sexual impairment. Sexuality is an integral component of every individual's identity, however sex and sexuality in males following spinal cord injury is unfortunately not given the attention it deserves. This inquiry aims to present the lived experience of sex and sexuality for the male who acquired spinal cord injury, within a Maltese context. In order to gain a better understanding of the sexual experiences of males with an acquired spinal cord injury hermeneutic phenomenology and the social model of disability formulated the conceptual framework. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as a methodological framework and four different themes were identified. These were Profound Sense of Loss, A Loud Silence, Smelly Leaking Urine and Novel Ways of Intimacy and Sexual Satisfaction. The profound sense of loss remains the overarching issue for most participants. The impact of society on them as disabled individuals, the underlying sentiment that sexuality and disability are still taboo in society was also evident. The participants also brought up the lack of education within the rehabilitation set up. However on an a positive note, these findings indicate that through good communication and determination, the male with spinal cord injury can aspire to a satisfying and fulfilling sexual life.