We need to talk about sexuality after stroke

With all the benefits that sex has after stroke your doctor should be up-to-date on the prescriptions and protocols for that.

My recreational therapist just said sex was ok to do. Nothing on how to accomplish. Missionary style sex just doesn't work anymore, or the Queens's throne, or the Mare, or the Swing. Problems:

1.  Fingers and thumb will not stay flat.
2. Wrist collapses.
3. Elbow collapses.
4. Bicep spasticity pulls everything out of line.

Sexual Frequency Predicts Greater Well-Being, But More is Not Always Better

 

Sex after stroke

 

Sex linked to better brain power in older age

Sex: The Ultimate Full Body Workout

 

Better Memory From This Extremely Pleasurable Activity - Sex

 

WHY SEX IS BETTER FOR YOUR BRAIN THAN SUDOKU

 

Sex linked to better brain power in older age

 

Good News About Sex- It Doesn't Cause a Stroke

 

Sex Does Not Increase Heart Attack Risk - What about stroke?

 

Frequent orgasms may protect against heart attacks

 

An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away!

In case you don't have a partner she could prescribe this.

Electrosex

And finally the the actual article referenced in the post title:

We need to talk about sexuality after stroke 

Stroke survivors and their partners are not adequately supported to deal with changes to their relationships, self-identity, gender roles and intimacy following stroke, according to new research from the University of Sydney.

Published today in Clinical Rehabilitation, the qualitative study found that stroke survivors struggle to openly discuss sexuality, and health professionals rarely address the topic during rehabilitation.
This finding is supported by data from the Stroke Foundation showing as few as 15 percent of patients receive information on intimate relations post-stroke, despite clinical guideline recommendations.
Lead author Dr. Margaret McGrath from the University of Sydney said the new review shows that sexuality is essentially silenced following stroke.
"Issues around post-stroke sexuality and where to seek support are rarely discussed with stroke survivors or their loved ones despite numerous interactions with medical, rehabilitation and counselling staff," said Dr. McGrath, a researcher in occupational therapy from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
"Sexuality and disability is viewed as a taboo topic so stroke survivors don't know how to talk about it and health professionals don't ask the questions."
"This is problematic as sexuality, which includes so much more than just sex, is an essential part of human experience and strongly with linked with emotional and mental health."
"But that (stroke) doesn't change the essence of who I am or what I want before and after. It only changes what I can do. It doesn't change what I want."- Stroke survivor
The systematic review collated several studies to explore the experiences of almost 650 male and female stroke survivors ranging from 20 to 105 years of age, as well as the experiences of 283 partners.
Using a broad definition of sexuality, the study explores dimensions such as gender roles and identity, presentation of self to others, sexual expression, intimacy, relationships and reproduction.
For couples in a relationship before stroke, physical and cognitive impairment, communication difficulties and post-stroke fatigue meant that pre-existing, often stereotyped gender-based roles, needed to change.
"Men often struggled with an inability to be what they viewed as a 'protector' or 'provider' for the family, while female stroke survivors lamented a loss of their role as wife, mother or homemaker—all of which affects the way they interact with each other" said Dr. McGrath.
"This also impacts partners' self-identity, particularly when they moved from being an intimate partner to a primary caregiver."
For people not in a relationship or whose relationship ended, stroke decreased their self-confidence and willingness to seek out new relationships.
"Stroke also impacted the survivor's relationship with their own body, with many seeing their body as unpredictable or separate from themselves. Being sexually intimate exacerbates these feelings, leading to heightened levels of anxiety."
Dr. McGrath said many of these fears and misconceptions could be addressed through proper support from health and rehabilitation professionals.
"Health professionals' reluctance to address sexuality is due to a lack of knowledge and confidence. We need tailored education and training to address this knowledge gap."

Explore further: CDC: Outpatient rehab rates suboptimal for stroke survivors

More information: Margaret McGrath et al, How is sexuality after stroke experienced by stroke survivors and partners of stroke survivors? A systematic review of qualitative studies, Clinical Rehabilitation (2018). DOI: 10.1177/0269215518793483
Under funding from the Stroke Foundation, the University of Sydney is developing programs to address sexuality with stroke survivors. Stroke survivors or partners interested in finding out more can contact Dr. McGrath.

Journal reference: Clinical Rehabilitation
Provided by: SAGE Publications