Managing sex and intimate relationships after a stroke or when living with a neurological condition can be difficult for some. Health professionals may also find it hard to discuss this sensitive topic or feel able to offer appropriate help and support.
The National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (2023) makes a number of recommendations:
A People with stroke should be asked, soon after discharge and at their 6-month and annual reviews, whether they have any concerns about sex. Partners should also have an opportunity to raise any problems.
B People with sexual dysfunction after stroke who want further help should be:
- assessed for treatable causes including a medication review;
- reassured that sexual activity is not contraindicated after stroke and is extremely unlikely to precipitate a further stroke;
- assessed for erectile dysfunction and the use of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (e.g. sildenafil);
- advised against the use of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor for 3 months after stroke and/or until blood pressure is controlled;
- referred to a professional with expertise in psychosexual problems if sexual dysfunction persists.
Resources
You can watch a webinar hosted by the network on the topic.
Useful websites:
- MS trust Relationships and MS | MS Trust
- MS International Federation Let’s talk about sex and MS – MS International Federation (msif.org)
- Stroke Association Sex and relationships | Stroke Association
- Different Strokes Sex after Stroke (differentstrokes.co.uk)
- Headway sex-and-sexuality-after-brain-injury-publication.pdf
- Spinal Injuries Association Men and sex after SCI Women and sex after SCI
- Cerebral Palsy Social and Intimate Relationships – UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement
- The Outsiders Trust The Outsiders Trust | Peer Support and Dating for Disabled People
- Sexual Health and Disability Alliance Sex & Disability Info|SHADA
- Enhance The UK Sex & Disability | Enhance the UK
- Relate – www.relate.org.uk