Sex-Positive Sexuality Post-Spinal Cord Injury


First published online 25 May 2025.

Why this study was done

Most research about sexuality and spinal cord injury (SCI) focuses on problems and barriers after injury. The researchers wanted to shift focus from problems to solutions by identifying what helps people with SCI maintain positive, fulfilling sexual lives. They aimed to take a "sex-positive" approach that recognises people with disabilities as sexual beings who are entitled to sexual pleasure.

What the study did


The researchers conducted a search for all the qualitative research they could find about the topic of sex for people with spinal cord injuries. They found 1840 papers published between 1960 and 2023. Only 38 were relevant and useful. These 38 studies came from 15 different countries and included the voices of men and women with various types of spinal cord injuries.

The research team used a method called "thematic synthesis" to analyse each paper. They wanted to explore what people with SCI said about their sexual experiences in these studies. They specifically looked for positive aspects and factors that helped facilitate good sexual experiences, rather than focusing on problems. Then merged all the analysis from the existing research to find new insights. Creating insights that are ‘more than the sum of their parts’. In this case, they wanted to see what supported positive sexual expression.

What the study found

The analysis identified four main factors that help people with SCI maintain positive sexuality: Being Sexually Active, Trying New and Other Ways of Sexual Expression, Having Peer Support, and Having a Positive Relationship with a Partner. These are described below.

1. Being Sexually Active

Engaging in sexual experiences helped people learn and problem-solve. Being active sexually provided opportunities to communicate needs with partners. First sexual encounters after injury were often described as empowering and "turning points". Physical and financial independence helped enable sexual activities.

2. Trying New and Other Ways of Sexual Expression

Good sexual expression involves focusing on overall sensual experiences, not just traditional sexual acts. Being willing to experiment and explore different approaches to sexuality supported positive experiences. People were able to discover new erogenous zones and sensitive areas of the body and explore masturbation without fear.

3. Having Peer Support

Learning from others who had "been through it" rather than just able-bodied people was useful. This included getting practical advice and emotional support from people with similar experiences

4. Having a Positive Relationship with a Partner

Positive sexuality was linked to open, honest communication about sexual needs and desires. This requires supportive, understanding, and trustworthy partners. Focusing on giving and receiving pleasure mutually was enabling with partners who were willing to explore and adapt together.

What this means

These four factors supported two deeper themes: Redefining Sexuality and Establishing a Sexual Identity. Redefining Sexuality involves moving beyond traditional definitions of sex to include emotional intimacy, romance, whole-body experiences, and various forms of physical and emotional connection. Establishing a Sexual Identity involves recognizing that sexuality is a normal, important part of life after SCI.

What this means for people with SCI is that positive, fulfilling sexuality is possible. Sexual satisfaction may look different than before injury, but can be equally or more fulfilling. This may involve exploring new approaches to sexuality and intimacy. People with SCI can connect with others who have similar experiences provides valuable support. Positive relationships with partners with open communication are essential for sexual satisfaction.

For Partners and Families, open communication is crucial. Partners should know that sexual relationships can become deeper and more meaningful after SCI if both partners are willing to explore and adapt together.

We need more sex-positive research and education about disability and sexuality. Healthcare providers need better training in sexuality for people with disabilities and peer support programs should be available for people with disabilities.

This study was conducted by:

Ms. Blaze Ireland, Dr. Roxanna Nasseri Pebdani, Dr. Marita Heck, Dr. Asmita Mudholkar and Dr. Michèle Verdonck.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

Accessibility Note: Each page includes a decorative green banner. The top banner contains no text. The bottom banner includes the page number and the Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) logo.


First published online 25 May 2025.

Why this study was done

Most research about sexuality and spinal cord injury (SCI) focuses on problems and barriers after injury. The researchers wanted to shift focus from problems to solutions by identifying what helps people with SCI maintain positive, fulfilling sexual lives. They aimed to take a "sex-positive" approach that recognises people with disabilities as sexual beings who are entitled to sexual pleasure.

What the study did


The researchers conducted a search for all the qualitative research they could find about the topic of sex for people with spinal cord injuries. They found 1840 papers published between 1960 and 2023. Only 38 were relevant and useful. These 38 studies came from 15 different countries and included the voices of men and women with various types of spinal cord injuries.

The research team used a method called "thematic synthesis" to analyse each paper. They wanted to explore what people with SCI said about their sexual experiences in these studies. They specifically looked for positive aspects and factors that helped facilitate good sexual experiences, rather than focusing on problems. Then merged all the analysis from the existing research to find new insights. Creating insights that are ‘more than the sum of their parts’. In this case, they wanted to see what supported positive sexual expression.

What the study found

The analysis identified four main factors that help people with SCI maintain positive sexuality: Being Sexually Active, Trying New and Other Ways of Sexual Expression, Having Peer Support, and Having a Positive Relationship with a Partner. These are described below.

1. Being Sexually Active

Engaging in sexual experiences helped people learn and problem-solve. Being active sexually provided opportunities to communicate needs with partners. First sexual encounters after injury were often described as empowering and "turning points". Physical and financial independence helped enable sexual activities.

2. Trying New and Other Ways of Sexual Expression

Good sexual expression involves focusing on overall sensual experiences, not just traditional sexual acts. Being willing to experiment and explore different approaches to sexuality supported positive experiences. People were able to discover new erogenous zones and sensitive areas of the body and explore masturbation without fear.

3. Having Peer Support

Learning from others who had "been through it" rather than just able-bodied people was useful. This included getting practical advice and emotional support from people with similar experiences

4. Having a Positive Relationship with a Partner

Positive sexuality was linked to open, honest communication about sexual needs and desires. This requires supportive, understanding, and trustworthy partners. Focusing on giving and receiving pleasure mutually was enabling with partners who were willing to explore and adapt together.

What this means

These four factors supported two deeper themes: Redefining Sexuality and Establishing a Sexual Identity. Redefining Sexuality involves moving beyond traditional definitions of sex to include emotional intimacy, romance, whole-body experiences, and various forms of physical and emotional connection. Establishing a Sexual Identity involves recognizing that sexuality is a normal, important part of life after SCI.

What this means for people with SCI is that positive, fulfilling sexuality is possible. Sexual satisfaction may look different than before injury, but can be equally or more fulfilling. This may involve exploring new approaches to sexuality and intimacy. People with SCI can connect with others who have similar experiences provides valuable support. Positive relationships with partners with open communication are essential for sexual satisfaction.

For Partners and Families, open communication is crucial. Partners should know that sexual relationships can become deeper and more meaningful after SCI if both partners are willing to explore and adapt together.

We need more sex-positive research and education about disability and sexuality. Healthcare providers need better training in sexuality for people with disabilities and peer support programs should be available for people with disabilities.

This study was conducted by:

Ms. Blaze Ireland, Dr. Roxanna Nasseri Pebdani, Dr. Marita Heck, Dr. Asmita Mudholkar and Dr. Michèle Verdonck.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

Accessibility Note: Each page includes a decorative green banner. The top banner contains no text. The bottom banner includes the page number and the Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) logo.

Page published: 25 Nov 2025, 01:03 PM