Sexual Health and Disablity

Physical Disability

Body image has a strong impact on individuals’ and society’s perceptions of sexual relationships. Talking about sex and sexuality with regard to people who are perceived to be outside this ideal is often seen as “unseemly” or “uncomfortable”. Our society still has a considerable way to come for this skin-deep standard to fade away.
When sexuality and physical disability is discussed it is often in purely functional terms, like fertility, technique and capacity to physically perform sexual activities. It commonly leaves out all the wider aspects of sexuality: feelings, affection, emotional and physical needs and desires, same-sex relationships. All these affect disabled and non-disabled people alike. This is not to say, however, that the individual impact of a disability should be ignored.

Whether it is lifelong or acquired, disability or illness can potentially affect any aspect of sexuality. Questions about having children, retaining relationships, or being able to enjoy sex can be raised. Some disabilities may cause a loss of fertility, but this does not mean a loss of sexual function. If sexual function is reduced, it may be possible to increase it again. A loss of sensation in the genitals does not mean that sexual pleasure is no longer possible. Keeping the discussion open about sexuality and acknowledging sexual needs and preferences allows disabled people to adapt to their own unique circumstances and enjoy their own sexual existence.

Each disability affects each individual differently, and so responding to this in a sexual way will involve a high degree of personal consideration. An essential part of fulfilling sexuality is communication. Openness between sexual partners can create the right environment to develop particular ways of giving and receiving sexual pleasure. Telling each other what you like and don’t like, and not criticising, builds greater understanding of needs and desires. Guide your partner(s) and be guided by them.
Safer sex is equally important for disabled and non-disabled people, and other sections of this website give more detailed information about how to stay safer, happy and healthy.