Abstract/Summary

Purpose This study explored how partners/spouses of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) experienced intimacy, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction post-SCI. Materials and methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the partners/spouses of people with SCI living in the community in the United Kingdom. Twelve participants (7 females; 5 males) were recruited using purposive sampling. A nine-item semi-structured interview design was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results Three superordinate themes were demonstrated: (1) Stolen sex through unpreparedness; (2) Redefining sex; and (3) Compromised commitment. Partners struggled to come to terms with the shock of radically altered post-SCI sexual relationships, questioning how their changed sexual relationship and sexual identity conflicted with caring requirements. To minimise post-SCI relationship changes, some partners engaged in strategies to protect against, distract from and avoid sexual intimacy, whereas others were able to retain adapted pre-injury patterns of intimate behaviour. Conclusion Compromised sexual function and satisfaction significantly disrupt relationship dynamics post-SCI, initiate voluntary celibacy, and limit the perceived viability of continued sexual intimacy. Specialist partner-support provisions are urgently needed, recognising that partner support needs are not restricted to the inpatient rehabilitation phase but importantly extend long past discharge into the community. Implications for Rehabilitation Sexual function and satisfaction are highly challenging areas for partners post-spinal cord injury (SCI). Support and education for the partner must be incorporated into SCI rehabilitation to help with both adjustment and acceptance to changes in sexual functioning post-SCI. Partner contributions to and experiences of sexual function and satisfaction should be given more value, as these aid in the sustainability of healthy sexual relationships and psychological wellbeing following SCI.