Table of contents:
- Common problems affecting sex life after stroke
- 1. Fear of another stroke
- 2. Decreased libido
- 3. Paralysis
- 4. Depression
- 5. Damage to areas of the brain that regulate access
- How to improve sexual life after stroke?
Sex life after stroke can be depressing. This is despite the fact that stroke is rarely a direct cause of sexual dysfunction. However, the stress caused by a stroke is a difficulty that many couples face. Stress begins shortly after the patient and partner leave the hospital, and are helpless to see the lives of those faced with new challenges such as learning the complex medical navigation system, dealing with the ins and outs of insurance policies, schedules of physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical examinations, and get into the habit of reviewing files that feel foreign.
Inevitably, this new challenge can affect romantic relationships, not to mention the physical and mental disabilities caused by the stroke itself that can change partner interactions. Like it or not, the dynamics of sex change, at least temporarily, with problems such as aphasia (inability to speak or understand spoken language), hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body usually involving the face, arms and legs), or hemiparesis.
Together with some of the elements described below, these challenges can disrupt the intimate relationship of a stroke survivor, unless he or she is ready for a new sex life after stroke.
Common problems affecting sex life after stroke
Stroke is almost never a direct cause of sexual dysfunction. In fact, there appears to be a time of adaptation after a stroke in which sex life is delayed. Studies show that this is a temporary stage. For example, one study found that 80% of men who report erectile dysfunction after a stroke return to normal function suddenly months later.
However, sufferers may also continue to suffer from sexual dysfunction for years after a stroke. Here is a short list of some of the most common reasons:
1. Fear of another stroke
Many people believe that after a person has had a stroke, sexual arousal can lead to another stroke. Don't worry though, this rarely happens. On rare occasions, a patient with advanced heart disease may be asked by a doctor to minimize physical stress on the heart (including from sex) to prevent a heart attack. Limited sexual activity is also recommended when a person is about to undergo surgery to repair a large aneurysm, or a broken blood vessel. This is done to avoid sex so as not to cause an increase in blood pressure which may cause blood vessels to burst and bleed. Apart from these cases, there is almost never a clear medical reason for not having sex.
Unfortunately, several studies have shown that fear is one of the most common causes of sexual dysfunction among stroke survivors. One study, for example, showed that up to 50% of patients who recovered from a stroke restricted their sexual activity for fear it could harm them. Furthermore, a large proportion of partners of stroke survivors also reported being afraid to initiate sex for fear that their partner might suffer another stroke.
2. Decreased libido
Decreased libido after a stroke is common due to several psychological factors, including low self-esteem, uncertainty about future relationships, preoccupation with financial problems, and difficulty accepting a new life that has now become disabled. Alternatively, the decreased libido can be caused by several medications including antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications (for example, beta-blockers).
3. Paralysis
Strokes can affect areas of the brain that control arm and leg movements, thereby preventing partners from reaching the sexual positions they enjoy most. Of course some people are more affected by this than others, depending on the degree of brain damage caused by the stroke, and the sexual performance of the partner before the stroke.
4. Depression
Several studies have shown that depression inhibits sex after a stroke by affecting both stroke survivors, and their partners. However, there is a question, is depression itself preventing sexual intercourse, or is it because some stroke patients who suffer from depression are prescribed antidepressants, one of which is a decrease in libido?
5. Damage to areas of the brain that regulate access
As stated above, stroke is rarely a direct cause of sexual dysfunction. However, some strokes can affect sensation in the genital area, causing a person to feel numb around their genitals. Of course, either of these cases will make sex difficult. A stroke that affects the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls sexual hormones, can also affect a person's sexual arousal. In some rare cases, strokes can also lead to increased sexuality, or unusual sexual behavior.
How to improve sexual life after stroke?
Sex therapy is the most effective way to improve sex after a stroke. However, the cost of this therapy is quite expensive, and this facility is not easily found in Indonesia.
Another effective way is to communicate openly with your partner. Let him know any concerns you have.
Ask your doctor if it is possible to change your medication, which could affect your sex drive. Although you still have to work on restoring bodily functions every day, you must understand that accepting your "disability" is an important first step in rebuilding your sexual life. Be bold and explore your sexuality in new ways whether you are doing this alone or with your partner.
