Sexuality of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Experienced Limitations and Needs
This study is made to describe the problems of young adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience and their sexual response cycle, physical and emotional obstacles they experience with sexuality in the various stages.
In this prospective cohort study 74 young adults (46 men; 28 women) with CP and average intelligence participated, aged 20–24 years. Twenty percent of these young adults with CP experienced anorgasmia, 80% reported physical problems with sex related to CP and 45% emotional inhibition to initiate sexual contact. Survey made by self-developed written questionnaire. Participants were extensively asked about sexual experiences such as masturbation and the sexual milestones French kissing, caressing under clothes, cuddling nude and intercourse.
Young adults with CP can experience various problems or challenges with sexuality. A significant number of young adults with CP experiences both physical and emotional problems with sex. They need diagnosis-specific information and may need assistance discussing sexual issues with their partner. For preventing sexual difficulties and treating sexual problems, health care professionals need to proactively take the initiative to inform young people with CP about sexuality.
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11195-010-9180-6