Sensation and Pain

Sexuality with Impaired Sensation and Pain:

  • May not get the same satisfaction from typical positions
  • May feel pain from typical positions
  • May experience decreased desire to participate in sexual activity
  • May experience decreased ability to focus on pleasurable sensations
  • Fear of engaging in sex due to pain (Newman, 2007)

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00296-009-0850-6

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029646507000436?via%3Dihub

  • this has a lot of good stuff for pain and maybe fatigue as well**

Strategies:

  • Experiment with different erogenous zones (eg. the ear, collarbone, volar aspect of wrist, etc)if there is pain or decreased sensations in ones normally used. Pleasurable sensations can be felt in almost any region of the body and differ from person to person (Newman, 2007)
  • Physical intimacy including kissing and holding hands with a partner can release endorphins and decrease effects of pain (Mayo Clinic, n.d.)
  • Explore using silk or satin in foreplay for hypersensitive areas, as tolerated. Gradually transition to cotton and corduroy as the partner can tolerate. Demonstrate desensitization protocol in an OT session (Mioduszewski, 2012).
  • Engaging in fantasy or erotica can help stimulate desire and help prepare you for sexual activity.
  • Take pain medication early enough so it is effective during sexual activity (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).
  • Be mindful of weight bearing on area with decreased sensation or pain. Explore new positions that are comfortable for both parties.
  • Communication is key between partners when experimenting with different positions to decrease effects of pain and impaired sensation. Explicitly identify what feels pleasurable and what does not with your partner.
  • Focus on foreplay and sensuality, which can reduce pain experienced during sexual activity (Newman, 2007)
  • Introduce moist heat or cold packs into pre sex routine to address chronic pain. Application of heat must had at least 4 layers between modality and the skin. Cold application should have layer as well. Cover proper modality application in OT session (Mioduszewski, 2012).
  • Use of relaxation response techniques and mindfulness (Newman, 2007).


References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/chronic-pain/art-20044369

Mioduszewski, M. (2012). Stroke and spasticity. In B. Hattjar (Ed.), Sexuality and occupational therapy. Bethesda, MA: American Occupational Therapy Association.

Newman, A. M. (2007). Arthritis and sexuality. Nursing Clinics of North America, 42(4), 621-630. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2007.08.006