Every year, millions of people around the world confront a life-threatening
illness or acquire a disability and survive. What follows for them
is a physical and emotional roller coaster of treatment and coping.
Often, the most difficult adjustment involves sexual activities.
People with a disability or living with an illness may wonder whether
they can have children, if their partners will stay with them, if
anyone will find them sexually desirable, or if they will ever enjoy
sex again.
Sexual-esteem or positive regard for and confidence in one’s ability
to experience sexuality in a satisfying and enjoyable way, may be
shattered for a person with a disability. People tend to make assumptions
about people with disabilities that have no bearing on reality -
or their humanity. Even though there are those who believe that
disabled people should not want to be sexually active, this is not
factual because people with disabilities still long to be touched
and loved just like a person who is totally healthy. Contrary to
the opinion of mainstream society, people who suffer from disabilities
are still able to enjoy pleasurable sexual experiences. Many disabled
people experience a lack of information as well as significant distress
and anguish around their sexual and personal relationships. An important
first step back to a rewarding sexual relationship involves communicating
openly and directly with partners, doctors and other health care
professionals. This is not always easy, however. People often have
trouble discussing sexual issues or simply feel lucky to be alive
and, therefore, as if they don't have the right to "complain" about
changes in sexual functioning. Many assume, incorrectly, that sexual
intimacy is no longer possible due to sensation loss in the genitals.
As a result, some may decide to ignore sexuality issues because
they believe they no longer apply to them; others will seek out
any opportunity to restore sexual-esteem. Questions, concerns, and
feelings of anger about our sexuality are natural after disability
or illness.
Almost everyone can enjoy sex in some way or other, regardless
of their disability. To find out what suits you and your partner
can take experimentation, imagination and above all, learning to
feel comfortable with your own image of your body and your desires.
If you want to suggest new ways of having sex to your partner, it
is important that you bring it up in a way that doesn’t make them
feel awkward. Wait until you are both feeling relaxed and sexy.
You may find your partner is more willing to try new things than
you had realised.
There are no positions specifically for disabled people, only a
huge number of positions for you to try and see what you like. If
you are trying something for the first time, take it slowly, see
how you feel and check if your partner is having a good time. If
you feel uncomfortable or find there is too much pressure on your
body, switch position. Be sure you both take responsibility for
yourselves and set out to enjoy. Penetration is not essential to
have a good time, and it doesn’t have to be deep for both partners
to find it enjoyable. To begin with find sexual positions which
do not cause a great deal of strain to maintain a low level of physical
exertion. Perhaps the most comfortable and relaxing position of
all is the T position. The woman lays flat on her back while the
man lays perpendicular to her, facing her on his side. He straddles
her leg furthest from him and enters her softly. This position not
only reduces stress, it allows the couple to see one another.
If you are worried about your sex life, or can’t find a way to
overcome the sexual problems (such as erection problems ) which
are interfering with your happiness, the first step should be your
GP. Your GP should know whether you need practical information,
medical help or relationship therapy. Sex therapy is always informal
and helpful. It helps couples out of their sexual wilderness into
a garden of adventure. This information has been brought to you
by Firstmed.co.uk, the UK's leading online impotence clinic. If
you wish to discuss any of the above issues in more detail, do not
hesitate to contact info@firstmed.co.uk or call +44 (0)870 199 5287
ABOUT THE AUTHOR If you are worried about your sex life, or can’t
find a way to overcome the sexual problems (such as erection problems
) which are interfering with your happiness, the first step should
be your GP. Your GP should know whether you need practical information,
medical help or relationship therapy. Sex therapy is always informal
and helpful. It helps couples out of their sexual wilderness into
a garden of adventure. This information has been brought to you
by Firstmed.co.uk, the UK's leading online impotence clinic. If
you wish to discuss any of the above issues in more detail, do not
hesitate to contact info@firstmed.co.uk or call +44 (0)870 199 5287
.
Article Source: ArticlesFactory.com:
Sex and Disability
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