A sex-positive approach to sexual rehabilitation after SCI: exploring women’s sexual experiences using participatory action research

PURPOSE: To explore the sexual experiences of women living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and collaborate with key partners to identify needs of women with SCI related to sexuality interventions. METHODS: Participatory action research (PAR) was employed which involved the researcher collaborating with an advisory team consisting of women with SCI and clinicians. A sample of 15 Canadian women with different levels/severities of SCI participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze interview data. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: relationship with the self, changes in the body, and intimacy with partners. Participants noted that sexuality was a critical aspect of their relationship with themselves and connected it to self-confidence. They also discussed the importance of self-exploration. Changes in the body resulted in feelings of grief and vulnerability. Finally, the women discussed intimacy with partners emphasizing critical experiences including incorporating sex toys/assistive devices, exploring kink and fetish, orgasm, fertility, and how sexuality and intimacy enhanced their quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study advances the field of rehabilitation as it is the first study to include women with SCI as collaborators in sexual rehabilitation research and the first to explore women's sexuality after SCI from a sex-positive lens.