4. Planning & Support
30 Years of The Access Store: Helping You Figure Out What Comes Next
This year, The Access Store turns 30. That is a milestone I am
How do you continue having an active and satisfying sex life after a spinal cord injury? Couples where one of the partners has had a spinal cord injury (SCI) still need to enjoy intimacy and sexual fulfillment as much as any other couple. However, there are several challenges to overcome if they are to live sexually fulfilled lives.
Intimacy does not only mean sexual contact but also being close emotionally, trusting one another, and understanding each other. Both partners can have a fulfilling sex life and redefine the means of reviving their affection.
Sexuality is an integral aspect of a person’s quality of life as it is a fundamental human need, more so among people with SCI. This goes further than sex; it includes affection, respect, and experiences that enhance interaction. Hence, knowledge and reconstruction of these intimacy components enhance the quality and richness of life for people with SCI.
A spinal cord injury can alter the sexual reflexes, but it does not eliminate sexual feelings or the urge to have sex. Accepting this altered version of intimacy is about finding other forms of affection and passion, like physical contact and conversation. Communication is the key to better understanding your partner’s needs and expectations and, thus, building a more stable relationship.
Evaluating sexual health for people with SCI also covers the aspects of physical health and possible strategies. This may require the use of aids, different angles, and exercises that make the pelvic floor muscles firm. From the physical and emotional view of intimacy, SCI individuals can maintain a healthy and active sex life.
Adjusting to living with a SCI can present numerous barriers that may affect your sexual relationship. Notably, one of the challenges is physical alterations caused by the injury. SCI may result in loss of sensation, change in the ability to move around, and the ability to get erections. Such alterations to the body may physically hinder someone from enjoying an intimate session.
Emotional and psychological concerns are also significant. Managing the changes in one’s body can cause irritation, shyness, and anxiety in some people. These feelings might lower self-esteem and influence the perception of sexual appeal, which could lead to intimacy challenges.
Partners may also face some emotional challenges since they may be going through the change process, which means that both of them will need to open up and support each other.
The other challenge is the diversification of sexual behaviors. New positions, techniques, and adaptive equipment may sometimes be needed to determine what suits both partners. This can take time, trial and error, courage, and the ability to take risks when learning.
It is a balancing act to provide and want sex without appearing as though you are trying too hard, but this is important for a positive and sexual relationship after the SCI.
The most important aspect of sexual living after spinal cord injury (SCI) is to ensure that there is mutual understanding with the partner. Expressing your feelings, worries, and preferences will help develop trust, confidence, and passion in the relationship.
Talk openly about any bodily changes or issues you might be experiencing, and consistently inquire about your partner’s feelings and ideas. Couples, as a working team, can always try something you never thought would work and, thus, meet both of your needs.
Stop viewing sexual activity in conventional ways; instead, learn to embrace emotional bonding. Lovemaking entails bonding sexually, physically, emotionally, and affectionately.
Attempt to find new forms of intimacy that are not linked to sexual contact, for instance, to talk about your feelings, cuddle your partner, or even kiss. Intimacy has to be cultivated to improve the connection with your partner and the satisfaction levels in the relationship.
Make it a habit to regularly do pelvic floor exercises since they are beneficial for sexual intercourse as well as urinary continence. The type of exercise is also known as Kegels, which helps improve the muscles surrounding the bladder, bowels, and sexual organs.
Studies have also shown that through pelvic floor muscle training, there is increased sensitivity, better erectile function, and control of ejaculation. It is recommended to seek advice from a doctor or a physical therapist to guide you with the appropriate form and personalized exercise plan.
Try various positions during sexual intercourse to identify those that are more suitable for you and your partner. As a result of alterations in mobility or sensation following a spinal cord injury (SCI), previous ways of making love may not be possible or comfortable any longer.
Learn about positions to help you be comfortable and enjoy the process without excessively suffering. It is always important that couples discuss which specific sexual positions help each of them feel connected and satisfied.
One should try to use pillows, wedges, or some other supporting means in the process of trying new sex positions. In addition to new positions, new ways of touching and bonding sexually with your partner may bring out great satisfaction.
Learn the ways how to improve your sexual life and to deal with post Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) with the means of adaptive tools. Assistive devices encompass all equipment used for intimacy for people with disability.
Items like supportive pillows, bed rails, or bars installed in the bedroom should be encouraged to boost physiologically during sex. Moreover, accessories like wedges and ergonomic vibrators that have strategically placed handles can be useful in increasing sexual pleasure.
The IntimateRider Adventure Set offers increased sexual mobility for you and your partner while providing comfort and stability. When used in combination with the IntimateRider chair, the RiderMate Deluxe provides a plethora of angles and positions. The introduction of adaptive equipment through The Access Store to sex life can improve comfort, accessibility, and fun.
You may want to consult a counselor with expertise in post-SCIs. Counseling may help you to cope with the changes and pressures that impact sexual relations after SCI.
Some people may require a therapist to assist in dealing with anything psychological that could be affecting the frequency of intimacy between the couple, like body image problems or stress.
These sessions will help to discuss tactics that will allow the development of a closer relationship, including ideas on how to behave during sex, in case it concerns the couple.
Moreover, a therapist will educate on sexual anatomy, sexual function, and sexual techniques for those with an SCI and give the appropriate recommendations.
Our IntimateRider will help you return to intimacy with your partner. It is intended to solve the sexual and fertility problems of people with SCI, providing the necessary options for comfort, freedom of movement, and satisfaction during intimate moments.
In addition to satisfying sexual experiences, many of these products can generally improve your relationship, communication, intimacy, and shared satisfaction levels.
Daily living products will assist and guide you and your partner through these stages and make you feel closer, trusted, and intimate with each other again. Get the IntimateRider and accessories from The Access Store today and feel the change it will bring into your sexual life and relationship.
Living with a disability or spinal cord injury can be challenging and full of obstacles. At the Access Store, we provide the products and support you need to overcome these obstacles to live a life of better health, independence, and mobility.
This year, The Access Store turns 30. That is a milestone I am
The SCI Community Facebook Group is a helpful online space for people living
Most people who live with SCI or disability become very good at adapting.
