Experiences of Men with Paraplegia to Adjust to Their Sexuality: A Study in A Specialized Rehabilitation Centre
Abstract
Sexuality dysfunction is an important contributing factor for men with spinal cord injury (SCI) to lead their rest of life with proper satisfaction with their counterparts. Loss of sensation, pressure sore, level of injury, bowel and bladder incontinence, mobility deficits, muscle spasms and pain in back/neck have an adverse effect that can contribute to difficulties in adjustment to a person with an SCI. The actual situational status evolves, which most of them are struggling to adjust their optimum sexual capacity due to their limitations. Besides, proper guidance is very essential to improve their understanding during incorporating into the rehabilitation program through meaningful education, demonstration and hands-on practice. A qualitative study design was chosen to carry out this research work. Only twelve participants were selected purposively for this study. Data were collected through face to face in-depth interviews with the participants, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Undersigned informed consent was used for every individual before conducting the interview. Content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. It included systemic organization of the field notes, transcripts of interviews and other associated materials. Most of the participants informed that common physical challenges in adjusting to their sexuality were bowel and bladder incontinence, risk of pressure sore, loss of movement, pain in the lower back and knees as well as psychological challenges. The study showed that the participants had different techniques to manage these challenges, such as discovering alternative ways to engage in sexual intercourse, maintaining appropriate positions and practicing new techniques to adjust with the challenges in performing sexual activity. Most of the males with paraplegia reported their satisfaction in sexual lives. The study also showed that postinjury married SCI male were more satisfied with their sexual lives than those who were married prior to the injury. A person with SCI needs proper adjustment to their sexual life to cope with those challenges. Persons living with SCI should follow different techniques to adjust to their sexual life and be careful, in order to maintain some control over the consequences of living.
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