Spinal Life Australia

Having a physical disability won’t prevent you from having intercourse or sex, but it will likely impact your ability to be spontaneous. But with a little planning you can still enjoy being intimate with your partner. For example, it’s important to ensure your bladder is emptied, transfers need to be negotiated as well as un-dressing and managing leg bags and catheters. It’s important to be open with your partner and communicate freely so you can find what works best for you. Even though you may have established a close, physically nurturing relationship with your partner before your injury, you may need to adjust your communication style and expectations until you have established your new ‘rhythm’. If you’re not sure where to start, our Peer Support team, and Allied Health professionals can help start the conversations. You may have a lot of questions and are unsure who the best person is to be able to provide you with answers and solutions. Spinal cord damage does not mean intimacy and relationships are not possible. Our Community Nurses provide sex consultations to individuals and to couples. No topic is off limits, with telehealth also available.