Different ways of having sex 149
Sexuality for women who become disabled
A woman who becomes disabled due to an accident or illness may find that her sexual
feelings change. Some women have fewer sexual feelings or are not interested in sex
for a while. Sometimes women think they are no longer able to experience pleasure
or enjoy sex. Every woman needs information about how her disability affects her
sexuality. And if she has a partner, they both need information about how sexuality
can be affected by disability.
I’m very sad that Sok Chhim
was so badly hurt by the land
mine. But my family wants me
to take another wife. They say
that now she will bring bad
luck, and she won’t be able to
have children any more.
I hope Hem Kiri will want to stay
married to me. The health worker
says I can still have sex and have
babies.
If you were in a sexual relationship before you became disabled, you may be
afraid to try having sex again. You may be concerned that your partner will not find
you sexually attractive anymore. Or both you and your partner may be concerned
that you will not be able to satisfy each other any more. It is helpful for you both to
talk about your feelings and the changes you may need to make. The way you have
sex may be different, but like most other couples, you will find ways to have sex and
please each other. This is especially true if you had a trusting relationship and good
communication before the disability.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007