Sexual adjustment after spinal cord injury (SCI) focusing on partner experiences

In addition to the physical disability, a spinal cord injury affects self esteem and partner relationships. This study addressed partner experiences in relation to sexual interest, behaviour and satisfaction. A measure of satisfaction within relationships was also included. Forty-nine partners of SCI persons completed a comprehensive survey including an 80 item questionnaire and a VAS quality-of-life measure. Partner ages ranged from 18 to 79 years (median 34 years). Thirty-nine partners were women and 10 partners were men. Significance testing of relationships included bivariate, partial and multiple correlation procedures. Sixty-one per cent of the partners appreciated the quality of their sexual relationship and most partners (84%) considered their relationship overall to be satisfying. Half of the couples engaged in sex, with or without intercourse, once a week or more. Fifty-five per cent of the partners reported being content with the frequency of their sexual interaction while one third would have wished more frequent activity. Almost half of the partners (45%) considered their current sex life to be as good as or even better than their previous sex life. High general satisfaction with life, a varied repertoire of rewarding sexual expressions, including intercourse and concern about the able bodied partner's sexual pleasure were positive predictors of an active and fulfilling sexual relationship. From the partner's perspective, feelings of emotional closeness, mutual concerns and willingness to engage in a variety of sexual activities seem to be more important for sexual fulfilment than the physiological aspects of sexuality.