Management

Thursday, 28 April 2005 16:03
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The first step towards improving sex life has to be effective communication between the people affected: i.e. both partners.

In conditions such as arachnoiditis, MS and spinal cord injury there may well be no curative measures available. However, there are a number of options for improving matters.

Primary sexual dysfunction may often be alleviated using some readily available products: loss of lubrication can be eased by using water-soluble lubricants such as K-Y Jelly.

Painful sensations in the genital area may be relieved by medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) or gabapentin (Neurontin).

Decreased vaginal/clitoral sensation may be overcome by vigorous stimulation using a variety of techniques. Use of aids has somewhat negative connotations, but if one can overcome this point of view, aids are often very helpful and are available through mail-order services in order to avoid embarrassing trips to shops.

Position for intercourse: Aldrete's survey ([1]) revealed that 46.3% of the female participants preferred the sitting on top position, whilst 17% preferred the supine position; 8.5% tolerated lying on their side more easily and 3.6% preferred intercourse sitting on a bench. Positions such as side or rear entry help to avoid hip abductor muscles going into spasm.

There are a number of positions for intercourse which avoid body weight being transferred onto the ill partner.

The important message here is to develop an inventive approach.

For women with sexual dysfunction:

[1] Aldrete A. Arachnoiditis: The Silent Epidemic, 2000, JGH Editores (Mexico).