I raised the sex question because when we discussed turning and positioning in bed the thought occured to me that everyone does things differently, and we can learn so much from each other. I assume the same holds true for intimacy, and I know we're always open to information and suggestions. :)
My interest in the subject is part personal curiousity and part professional interest as I do quite a bit of mentoring in my job. I have a million questions, but the first, and most basic, are: how has SCI affected your intimate relationships? Do you have a sex life? Do you [and your partner] find it fulfilling? How does your current lovelife compare with before your injury? [Keep in mind that your replies may be searchable through Google in the future, so don't write anything you'd be embarrassed to have searched.] I will answer my own questions to get the ball rolling: I was injured at age 18 and had not been sexually active before my injury. I realized quickly after my injury [c5-6 complete] that I could get a physiogenic erection [from touch] but not a psychogenic erection [from thought.] I had very reduced sensation in that area but the sensation I have is very nice. It took me many years post-injury to trust someone enough to get to the point of intimacy, but during college one of my female caregivers slipped into bed with me one night, removed my catheter and changed my life. I never guessed that with my reduced sensation I could climax, but I did. Not only that, but even with her doing all the 'work' I found that I could please my partner. From that moment on I felt I had regained a certain manliness that I thought was gone forever. I can't compare sex before and after SCI, but over the years I can say I've had very fulfilling intimate relationships. Don.
