It’s unfortunate, but there are instances in life that may cause injury to the spine resulting in incomplete or complete paralysis, and for men who seek to continue to maintain a full and healthy sex life this type of injury can be crushing to his ego and self-esteem.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue for men living with paralysis depending upon the extent of injury and its location. Men suffering with incomplete injury at a low level are more likely to have psychogenetic erections (erections caused by sexual thoughts or visual stimuli) than men with high-level, incomplete injuries.
However, men with complete injuries are less likely to become erect from sexual thoughts or visuals. Most men living with paralysis are able to experience reflex erections (erections caused by direct stimulation of the penis or erogenous zones such as the neck, nipples or ears) as long as the sacral segment of the spine isn’t damaged.
The ability to “keep it up” during sex is a key component for mutual sexual satisfaction during intercourse and there are solutions to help combat ED, as well as build upon intimacy and self-esteem while living with paralysis. Here are a few ways to keep the fire burning after paralysis.
Foreplay
Kissing, caressing erogenous zones (neck, ears, nipples) and engaging in oral sex are all ways to increase intimacy during the sexual experience while encouraging an erection. Communicating during the process and learning what feels good and what doesn’t work as well and help in building a technique that will satisfy overtime.
Use a penis pump
Although many men living with paralysis have the ability to become erect from direct stimulation of the penis, it can become difficult to maintain hardness in order to complete a full sexual experience. To combat a fleeting erection, a vacuum pump can be used to draw more blood into the penis and a cock ring can be placed at the base of the shaft to further maintain the erection.
Medication
Research has shown that men who have paralysis between T6 and L5 regions have responded well to the use of Viagra and Cialis. These medications can be used to help maintain erections and provide a satisfying sexual experience. Please note, men also suffering with high or low blood pressure or vascular disease should not take these medications. Other prescribed medications may interfere with these sexual enhancements so a consultation with a doctor or urologist is necessary.
A man’s sex life doesn’t have to suffer after paralysis. The best solution for a man seeking to live out a fulfilling sex life while living with paralysis is having a loving and understanding partner who makes a commitment to being patient, loving and encouraging during the process. Sex education, couple’s therapy and sex coaching are all solutions to be considered in this process as well. The more help one can get the better.
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Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.sexperttyomi.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active/curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi.
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