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Make sure to eat foods that are rich in calcium and essential vitamins and minerals. Likewise, stay away from unhealthy foods that can negatively affect your recovery process. Avoid smoking at all costs, as nicotine can prevent your vertebrae and bone graft from fusing properly. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute performs more than three thousand spine surgeries every year, helping patients in the Philadelphia area to live more productive and pain-free lives.

For more information, please visit us here or contact us at Related Physicians Alexander R. Health-care providers play a critical role in ensuring that people with SCI have access to information and services that promote a healthy sexual adjustment following injury Fisher et al. To be effective, health-care providers must be knowledgeable and comfortable discussing sexuality; conversely, they should consider individual readiness to hear such information from providers and know when it is appropriate to refer the individual to professionals with additional expertise in this area.

Generally, discussions about sex and related issues should be integrated into assessment, planning, and ongoing therapeutic sessions. Specific classes and counseling sessions regarding sexuality should be established as a component of the rehabilitation program. Frequently, however, education about sexuality occurs during informal discussions between the person with SCI and his or her health-care providers Byfield et al.

All health-care personnel providing care to individuals with SCI need to have an understanding of their own sexual values, biases, and limitations. In addition, health-care providers should address any personal issues that could interfere with provision of optimal care related to sexual health. An individual's readiness to hear and discuss issues of sexuality will vary from one individual to another. Some people may want health-care providers to do nothing more than dispel myths or clear up misconceptions; others may be ready to listen to more detailed information about their sexual function.

This level may require advanced knowledge and clinical skill on the part of the health-care provider because it involves obtaining a detailed sexual history, identifying specific problems, and setting goals e. For individuals with more complex sexual histories, this level of intervention may be necessary. In these cases, referral to a specialist is indicated. Encourage individuals to take an active role in obtaining information related to sexual issues. After spinal cord injury, individuals become responsible for maintaining their physical and emotional health. Physically, this involves such factors as maintaining skin integrity, following proper bowel and bladder programs, monitoring body temperatures, etc.

In addition, people with SCI should be encouraged to monitor their emotional well-being and to seek services when and if they feel unusually sad, unhappy, depressed, hopeless, or unduly anxious. At such times, individuals and their partners should be encouraged to be proactive in seeking professional interventions and counseling. To ensure that correct information regarding sexuality is obtained, individuals with SCI also should be encouraged to seek information and ask questions about sexuality and fertility at any time they have questions.

In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to seek providers who are comfortable and knowledgeable in the field. Not all health-care providers have the same level of knowledge and comfort level with the topic of sexuality. As a result, a person with SCI may need to meet with several providers before finding an informed health-care provider with whom he or she feels comfortable. Provide assurance to the individual as soon as feasible preferably during early acute care that basic information about sexuality will be provided and that more extensive information will be available throughout care.

Initially, upon admission to a health-care facility after injury, life-sustaining medical issues will likely predominate concerns related to long-term adjustment, such as sexuality and fertility. However, even as an individual is being stabilized, he or she is likely focused on the future, including how and if relationships and sexual function will be maintained or regained.

Once the acute crisis has passed, initial questions regarding sexuality are commonplace: It also is necessary to encourage the individual to maintain an open dialogue with health-care providers regarding these issues. Finally, it is always important to emphasize that persons with SCI remain sexual beings and can continue to participate in both pleasurable and fulfilling sexual activity Reitz et al. Introduce the topic of sexuality by discussing the subject in a straightforward and nonjudgmental manner.

Ask open-ended questions that encourage an ongoing dialogue whenever possible. Sensitivity is needed in any discussion about sex.

Sexuality and Reproductive Health in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Some people will be very open to discussion on the subject while other people may be more reserved. Introducing sexuality as a routine part of the interview process sends the message that sexuality is an integral part of the initial and continuing rehabilitation process Ide and Fugl-Meyer, Presenting open-ended questions candidly and with a respectful attitude may encourage people with SCI to begin to ask questions and seek answers for their particular circumstances. Health-care providers should be aware of what they are communicating to the person with SCI in both their verbal and nonverbal messages.

Acceptance, validation, and a nonjudgmental attitude need to be conveyed. Use active listening techniques, such as frequently repeating the individual's questions or summarizing their concerns, to ensure that communication is clear and that both parties are discussing the same issues. Can you tell me more about what you have been feeling?

If time is consistently limited, consider directing the individual to someone who does have the time, comfort level, and knowledge needed Miller and Marini, If possible, talk with the individual to determine with whom they would feel most comfortable discussing this topic.

Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in order to elicit honest and productive discussion, while providing maximum privacy and maintaining confidentiality. Through open discussion, acceptance, and careful listening, health-care providers should be sensitive regarding an individual's sexual orientation and gender identity. It is imperative that health-care providers who work with individuals with SCI be prepared to address the unique sexual health issues of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation and sexual identity.

To be effective, providers must be aware of their own values and attitudes toward sexual orientation to be certain that these do not negatively impact the rehabilitation, education, or counseling provided to the individual with SCI. Emotional support and advocacy are important for all individuals with SCI regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Determine the individual's interest and readiness to learn about sexual function and expression following his or her SCI. Be aware that some people with SCI may not feel comfortable in raising the topic directly.

Most people who have experienced a spinal cord injury will want information about sexuality and relationships at some point postinjury Ferreiro et al. As the topic of sexuality is addressed informally or formally , the individual's readiness for further discussion should be noted by observing body language, eye contact, and comments. Keep in mind that different people will be ready for information at different times during the recovery process.

Some individuals may not have specific questions until they return to their homes and become more comfortable with the changes in their lifestyle. Other people may not feel comfortable asking questions while in the hospital. For this reason, information on how and where an individual can access information on sexuality after discharge should be provided.

Such questions or comments may be an indication of anxiety regarding the topic. When such comments or behaviors are observed, bring up the subject in an open and positive manner by asking the individual if he or she would like to talk further. A sense of openness and encouragement should always be provided, as well as an atmosphere that helps people realize that sexual adjustment is an integral and legitimate component of the ongoing rehabilitation process. Individuals should feel that their questions are appropriate and welcomed Taylor and Davis, Encourage people with SCI to explore the role of sexuality in their lives and the various ways in which they may express their sexuality.

Decisions regarding the importance and expression of sexuality are personal choices Valtonen et al. Sexual expression is determined by multiple factors, including culture, religion, childhood and adolescent experiences, early education about sexuality, the existence of a relationship, comfort level, and physical, social, and psychological issues.

Most people place a high value on sexuality, intimacy, and love Yim et al.

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The choice to be sexual and the manner in which one chooses to express sexuality following SCI need to be respected by all members of the health-care team. Although health-care providers may have their own values regarding the importance and expression of sexuality, it is essential that each individual's decisions regarding sexuality be respected.

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These decisions do not necessarily reflect psychological difficulties. The decision to refrain from sexual activity, however, should not be made based on a false belief that there is no other choice. Ultimately, the goal of sexual education and counseling is to promote an individual's understanding that sexual expression and intimate relationships do not stop following SCI.

Ensure that for all individuals in rehabilitation or institutional settings sexual expression is treated with privacy, respect, and dignity. Time, respect, and privacy are critical if an individual or couple is to feel safe exploring sexual changes following spinal cord injury Byfield et al.

Offering a separate apartment or hospital room that allows the person with SCI and his or her partner to be intimate is an important statement and first step in restoring sexual intimacy postinjury. For many couples, cuddling, holding each other, or lying in bed together is an excellent way to support each other emotionally and begin rebuilding intimacy.

At these times, communication between the couple often is enhanced.

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Providing a private location for sexual exploration and communication imparts the important message that sexuality and intimacy are important and can be continued after injury. After the couple has had the opportunity to be alone, let them know that there are opportunities for discussion with a staff member should they have any questions or need help with problem solving. Taking a sexual history from individuals with SCI establishes the precedent that issues of sexuality are an essential component of the rehabilitation and follow-up process.

The sexual history opens a dialogue in which sexual problems can be discussed in a concrete and factual manner. In many cases, the sexual history is the first step in sexual education because it introduces the topic and establishes a rapport between the individual with SCI and the health-care professional. Following spinal cord injury, neurologic factors play a significant role in determining an individual's ability to function sexually.

As a result, the sexual history is often neglected or seen as somewhat irrelevant since neurological issues are so prevalent. However, sexual function constitutes more than the neurologic level and encompasses emotional and psychological factors, medical conditions, and previous sexual experiences, as well as past and current relationships.

All of these factors must be considered and can contribute to an individual's sexual difficulties following the injury. In addition, sexual function is not a static entity; it changes over time with functional recovery or loss and varies depending on one's age, medical condition, partner and quality of relationship, emotional well-being, culture, spiritual beliefs, and other factors. Include general questions about sexuality and sexual function as early as possible in the rehabilitation process.

Ask direct, open-ended questions to facilitate a discussion of sexual matters. Any history of medical comorbidity, rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, emotional problems, substance abuse, performance-related issues, or relationship factors must be identified early in rehabilitation.


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Raising issues about sexuality early in rehabilitation provides ample opportunity to address problems and issues throughout the hospitalization. In addition, sexual-related materials, such as abuse histories, may affect how rehabilitation will proceed and how relationships with health providers will develop. Interpersonal conflicts may be diminished if staff members have an understanding of contributing factors and the person's early developmental history.

Often individuals are reluctant to bring up the subject of sex unless the health-care provider asks direct but open-ended and nonthreatening questions. For assessing sexual issues, it is appropriate to first ask the person with SCI whether he or she has an interest in discussing sexual concerns and then proceed accordingly.

Examples of questions include:. When taking a sexual history, make certain the individual is comfortable with the physical surroundings and the level of privacy in the room. Ask individuals with SCI if they have experienced any previous sexual trauma, sexual dysfunction, or sexually transmitted disease that could affect their sexual function following injury.

As sexual education and counseling proceed after SCI, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the individual's past psychological, medical, and sexual history. First, assess preinjury sexual concerns, specifically whether there were any problems prior to injury and whether or not the person was sexually active before the injury or had only limited experience with sex.

Education for people without previous sexual experience may include counseling on dating, social skills, relationships, communication, and preparation for sex. It is important to ask about other preinjury psychological factors, such as relationship issues, body image concerns, and self-esteem. Sexual difficulties, anxiety, and dysfunction are common in the general population. They also are common in persons with a history of depression, substance abuse, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Such issues as abuse, rape, STDs, and previous sexual dysfunction may have a significant impact on how counseling will proceed or how sexual information is presented. For example, a woman with a history of abuse may not feel comfortable in a mixed-gender sexual education class. In some cases, she may prefer learning about sexuality in conversations with a female staff member. In other cases, individuals with previous sexual difficulties may have unresolved performance anxiety issues or comorbid medical problems that can complicate their sexual adjustment and function.

Persons with preexisting sexual problems generally will need to be referred to a specialist, such as a sexual counselor, therapist, gynecologist, or urologist. Consider the individual's life context cultural, environmental, spiritual, and social during sexual education and counseling. Sexuality encompasses many areas of one's life. Having discussions about how sexuality is viewed by family or in the culture may help determine how to proceed with conversations and education about this topic. If sexuality is addressed within the cultural context of the individual, sexual problem solving likely will be more comfortable for the person with SCI.

As such, the health-care provider can encourage people to begin thinking about body image issues, quality of relationships, and resumption of sexual activity if desired Ide and Fugl-Meyer, ; Sakellariou et al. Ensure that a medical assessment of the sexual reproductive system is conducted after SCI. The assessment should include a thorough examination of breasts and genitalia, as well as screenings for cervical, ovarian, uterine, breast, prostatic, and testicular cancers. Provide counseling about HPV immunization as appropriate.

Often, physical assessment of the breast and genitalia is not considered essential after spinal cord injury Tas et al. Physicians frequently neglect this critical part of the examination because sexual difficulties are most likely considered a result of the neurologic condition. However, an assessment of the individual's reproductive and sexual systems should be performed to ensure that any potential problems, whether or not they are related to the SCI, are not overlooked. Persons with SCI are vulnerable to the same medical concerns as anyone else, but because of the spinal cord injury, routine screenings are not always provided.

As a result, symptoms that indicate the need for further evaluation may not be recognized; therefore, explain the necessity of regular screenings to the person with SCI as well as the importance of identifying any comorbid conditions early in his or her etiology. Persons with SCI need this information to be strong advocates for their own care in the future. In an outpatient setting, it is important to maintain an up-to-date list of specialists who work specifically with people with a SCI i.

In the vast majority of SCI cases, remaining neurological function can be used to predict remaining sexual responses. Additionally, evidence of severe spasticity, areas of hypersensitivity, and the presence of contractures should be assessed. Medical problems that could affect sexual function or expression should be sought through a general physical examination. Examples of such problems include ventilator dependence, difficulty breathing, skin problems, and vascular problems all of which may or may not be related to the SCI.

Genitalia should be assessed to ensure there is no evidence of trauma, infection, or malformation. Assess the impact of the individual's injury on sexual responses, i. The health-care provider should determine the individual's sexual function classification based on a reliable neurologic exam, such as the International Standards for Neurologic Classification of SCI's autonomic standards [available online at www. Reflexogenic erections and psychogenic erections are generally attributed to parasympathetic nervous system stimulation. However, psychogenic control also is considered possible via the sympathetic pathway Sipski et al.

Similar pathways are believed to control female genital arousal Sipski et al. The impact of SCI on arousal can be determined by assessing the bulbocavernosus reflex and degree of completeness of injury at the S4—5 and T11—L2 levels Sipski et al. For an individual with either complete or incomplete SCI preservation of sensation and or voluntary motor control at the S4—5 area and an intact or hyperactive bulbocavernosus reflex, reflexogenic erection, or lubrication is generally possible.

For people with an incomplete injury at S4—5 along with a hypoactive bulbocavernosus reflex, the ability to obtain reflexogenic erection or lubrication is generally preserved. The ability to obtain a psychogenic erection or lubrication is related to the degree of preservation of sensation in the T11—L2 dermatomes. For people with a complete injury at S4—5 along with an absence of the bulbocavernosus reflex, the ability to have reflexogenic erections or lubrication is lost and the capacity for psychogenic erection or lubrication is related to the degree of preservation of the ability to perceive pinprick and light touch sensation in the T11—L2 dermatomes.

The effect of SCI on orgasm can be determined by assessing the impact of injury on the bulbocavernosus and anal wink reflexes and the degree of completeness of injury at the S4—5 level. It is unlikely that individuals with complete injuries at the S4—5 level with an absent bulbocavernosus and anal wink reflex will be able to achieve a physiological orgasm Sipski et al. Perform a detailed neuromusculoskeletal examination and functional assessment. Use the results of the examination to assist in counseling regarding sexual activity.

In persons with spinal cord injury, sensation, motor function, mobility, and specific sexual functions can vary widely Courtois et al. While completing an assessment, determine how the SCI has affected the individual's sexual function. Each individual will have a unique sexual profile.

For example, some men with incomplete injuries may have only relatively mild problems with erectile function or ejaculation while men with complete upper motor neuron SCI may have reflex erections but may not be able to ejaculate with intercourse. In contrast, men with lower motor neuron lesions may have neither reflex nor psychogenic erections.

The examination should assess strength, sensation, range of motion, and reflex function. During the rectal examination, the prostate, anal wink, sensation, voluntary contraction, and tone should be assessed Bird et al. The examination also should explore the possible presence of peripheral nerve and muscle disease, which may result from medical metabolic disturbances, such as diabetes, or medications e.

The results of the assessment ultimately should lead to individualized counseling on prognosis and treatment options McBride and Rines, Develop a sexual education and treatment plan with the individual consistent with the results of the sexual history, interview, relationship status, and physical exam findings. The health-care provider should develop a treatment plan based on the individual's physical exam, sexual history, and personal concerns. The treatment plan should be developed in collaboration with the person who has the injury and his or her partner, if desired. Referrals to specialists for further evaluation and treatment may be warranted.

Practitioners are encouraged to develop working relationships with specialists, such as physiatrists, urologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, sex therapists, and sexual health nurses. The discussion between the health-care provider and the person with SCI should include any components of the sexual response cycle that the person feels may have changed since injury and any previous injury to the perineum area. Relevant comorbidities, such as tobacco use, alcohol use, drug use, vascular disease, psychiatric issues, or disorders related to the endocrine, metabolic, or neurological systems other than SCI , should be discussed and evaluated.

Use language that the person with SCI or couple can clearly understand i. A detailed listing of medications should be obtained and the list should be checked to determine potential sexual side effects. In particular, review the use of narcotics, antidepressants, anti-hypertensives, anticholinergics, birth control pills, and antispasmodics e. If prescription medications are contributing to an individual's sexual dysfunction, initiate a consultation with the prescribing health-care provider to discuss the sexual implications.

Individuals should not discontinue a prescribed medication that is being used to treat another condition without a thorough discussion of all options and possible outcomes. Perform full physical examinations and neurological assessments regularly, in order to detect changes over time that may affect sexual function. The assessments should include the International Standards to Document Remaining Autonomic Function after Spinal Cord Injury to determine the neurological level and extent of the injury. In order to properly assess sexual function and the capacity for sexual activity, a full physical examination and neurological assessment should be conducted annually for the first two years postinjury and once every five years thereafter.

Any changes regarding sexual function should be documented in the medical record.

Generally, sexual function can be somewhat predicted by the level and completeness of the injury although individual differences can occur Westgren et al. Documentation of motor, sensory, autonomic, and functional abilities will help form more realistic expectations regarding sexual function, positioning, spasm, and other activities that affect sexuality.

The International Standards to Document Remaining Autonomic Function provide a system with which to communicate the effects of specific spinal cord injuries on autonomic functions, including sexual function. Neuromuscular assessments, such as the Functional Independence Measure FIM , may be helpful in determining the ability to perform activities of daily living, including sexual activities.

A proper, inclusive physical assessment assists in defining the extent of sexual changes, facilitating education for the individual, and formulating realistic expectations and treatment options. Changes in the examinant results over time may indicate an alteration in sexual capacities. These changes may further necessitate a new approach to areas, such as erection enhancement. Additionally, if the sexual status or bladder and bowel function has deteriorated between assessments, this may indicate altered neurological status, which would require more urgent attention.

Educate persons with SCI about the effects of medication on sexual response and fertility. More than specific medications or classifications of medications have been associated with sexual dysfunction Thomas, Some classes of medications that can affect sexual function include antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, heterocyclic and tricyclic medications , neuroleptics, anxiolytics e. Side effects include erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, vaginal dryness, impaired libido, and priapism.

On the other hand, some medications have beneficial effects on sexual function and may be indicated to ameliorate the negative side effects of other medications Thomas For example, bupropion is often used to improve the impaired libido seen commonly with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs. Over-the-counter preparations have not been well studied, but include many of the same medications that require prescriptions when used at a higher dose. Educate the individual about the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as unhealthy eating habits and obesity, on sexual response and fertility.

Individuals need to understand that healthy erectile function and vaginal lubrication are dependent on adequate circulation and blood flow to the genital areas. Circulation of blood can be negatively affected by cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse. Persons with SCI need to be aware that these activities ultimately can result in reduced blood flow and diminished sexual responsiveness. Alcohol, drugs, and tobacco also can cause or contribute to other conditions that interfere with sexual function e.

Unfortunately, these systemic issues, which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, often are minimized or not discussed with individuals with SCI. Emotional issues are fundamental to the relationship and quality of sexual function Reitz, , Dahlberg, Persons who exhibit symptoms of depression should undergo differential diagnosis by a mental health professional.

Depression often contributes to sexual problems and can have a negative impact on libido and function. Untreated, depression also can be self-defeating and potentially dangerous. Psychotherapy and medication either alone or in combination are the most common and effective treatments for depression. These treatments can significantly improve appetite and sleep, restore energy, and ultimately, renew sexual interest. When depression has been treated or eliminated as a potential diagnosis, other suggestions for dealing with stress, fatigue, and anxiety can be offered.

Partner depression and fatigue also need to be considered in discussions regarding sexual activity. Providers should encourage persons with SCI to be sensitive and honest to themselves and their partner about their energy levels, sexual needs, and desires. In the context of a relationship, clear communication about emotions and sexuality can reduce performance anxiety and ultimately improve the likelihood of satisfying sexual encounters.

Honest and open communication about sexual desire is important in any healthy relationship. Evaluate for a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency in men with SCI presenting with suppressed libido, reduced strength, fatigue, or poor response to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors PDE5is for erection enhancement. Suspected causes of hypogonadism after SCI include chronic illnesses, bladder and testicular infections, concomitant brain injury, hyperprolactinemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and use of medications that increase prolactin or suppress testosterone e.

The use of testosterone replacement in men with SCI must only be considered after documented sexual symptomatology or other effects e. Monitoring of hemoglobin or hematocrit for polycythemia as well as prostate-specific antigen and rectal examinations need to be done following the usual recommendations for testosterone replacement in the able-bodied population. Exogenous testosterone replacement will suppress spermatogenesis and therefore should not be the treatment of choice in hypogonadal men with SCI wishing to pursue biological fatherhood.

The use of testosterone replacement for women for low libido is applicable in only a small percentage of women who have been skillfully evaluated. Use of testosterone has not been specifically evaluated in women with SCI. Furthermore, its use in all women is still considered investigational for numerous reasons Basson, When treating individuals with SCI, it is necessary to provide education about sexuality and fertility as they relate specifically to the injury as well as a more general discussion regarding the effects of SCI on relationships.

In providing education, the attitude of the health-care provider is as important as the content provided. The message to people with SCI should be that sexuality is a vital, positive component of life and can still be gratifying and satisfying after the injury. Health-care providers should educate not only about the mechanics and practicalities of sexual activity, but also integrate a person's personal needs, questions, life views, and life context as these relate to sexuality. Sexuality should be understood in the context of a person's life rather than as a separate and distinct entity. Finally, it is important for health-care providers to be cognizant of and responsive to the individual's emotional reaction to the provided information.

Maintain professional boundaries under all circumstances when addressing sexual issues with individuals with SCI and their partners. In the period following an injury, individuals with SCI often lack confidence in their sexual attractiveness, ability to develop intimate relationships, and capacities for sexual expression.

As a result, these insecurities can be expressed consciously or unconsciously in their behavior toward the treating health-care providers. The close interaction between health-care provider and patient along with frequent physical contact can create a comfort level and environment in which the patient may believe it is appropriate to flirt or may begin to experiment with expressing his or her sexual feelings. It is critically important that health-care providers set limits and maintain professional boundaries at all times and do not engage in or encourage sexual activity with patients.

Consultation with other health-care professionals is often helpful in maintaining healthy boundaries. Consider age at onset of injury and previous sexual experience when assessing the sexual knowledge of the adult individual with SCI.

Provide sexual education and counseling accordingly. Knowledge of sexuality and sexual practices changes significantly across one's life span. For example, when SCI occurs at a young age, individuals may not have been sexually active prior to injury and may have little information regarding their sexuality.

Individuals whose injury occurred during childhood may be naive about peer relationships and may have never experienced independence from their parents Valtonen et al. Individuals of child-bearing age may need specific information regarding fertility and birth control, while older individuals may need more information on the relationship between sexuality and aging. Older individuals also may need emotional support if they have lost partners or close friends.

Regardless of the person's age at the time of onset, sexual education and counseling should be provided according to the developmental level and needs of the individual at the time. If explicit educational media videos, pictures, books, magazines, etc. It is important for the health-care provider to check local and state laws before using explicit sexual media.

Media depicting sexual activity after SCI should only be used after in-depth discussion between the person with SCI and the health-care provider. Explicit media should be used only if the individual specifically states that he or she is amenable to this form of education. Personal, cultural, or religious beliefs may make this form of education unacceptable to some people. Use of explicit media requires preparation and readiness on the part of the person with SCI and the health-care provider: Individuals in a relationship may prefer to view the material with their partner.

The health-care provider should view the material with the individual or partner and be prepared to stop and discuss issues at any time. Follow-up discussion is essential immediately after viewing the material and is recommended in the days following should additional questions or emotions arise. Explicit sexual media should never be used as a substitute for in-person discussion and education. In order to achieve a feeling of sexual well-being, people with SCI need to understand how their bodies function after injury.

This understanding may be accomplished through a variety of methods, such as education, discussion with peers, masturbation, self-stimulation, or experimentation with a partner. Health-care providers who treat people with SCI have the responsibility to instruct and educate in accordance with the individual's needs and wishes. Provide information on methods to enhance sensuality by using all available senses. Incorporating all sensory areas into a sexual interaction will encourage people to use every available sensory channel.

Depending on the nature of the injury, these areas could include hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch. Fantasy, past memories, or mental images may also enhance the level of arousal Anderson et al. Examples include the following:. Provide information on sexual assistive devices sex toys that are sometimes used to enhance sexual experiences. Inspiring Honest and insightful. The author gives us a straightforward and intimate memoir of his life after a terrible accident that leaves him completely changed.

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