Sexual dysfunction

 

Emotional changes

• Both men and women experience similar emotional problems after a stroke.  How they feel about themselves, and how they perceive others feel towards them, can lead to them losing confidence in themselves.  Adjusting to the changes in their life after a stroke can take time to come to terms with and many people experience anxiety and depression as a result.  This can have a knock on affect on their desire for sex
• There can be a change within a relationship when a partner becomes a carer, especially when assistance is needed with personal care.  This can sometimes cause embarrassment or affect the way they feel about each other
• Communication is important:  Retaining closeness and intimacy within their relationship will help to overcome difficulties.  Getting the better of anxiety and shyness in taking the first step may be the biggest hurdle to overcome

 

Contraception and pregnancy

Following stroke there is no reason why women cannot conceive, have a normal pregnancy and have a healthy baby.  Because there is a small risk attached to taking the combined oral contraceptive pill, alternative methods of family planning may need to be explored; this should be discussed further with a GP and/or specialist