How to overcome 5 limitations on sexual health after stroke-Life Health

After a stroke, patients can still face complications that affect their daily activities, especially sex life. So after a stroke, should sex and sex change?

Content 1. Can a stroke cause erectile dysfunction?2. Sex and changes after stroke 3. Seek medical advice about sexual dysfunction after stroke4. What to do to restore sex after a stroke?

A stroke causes physical and emotional stress, and its side effects can affect many different aspects of life, including sexual function.

Here are the tips of andrology expert, MSc.BSNT Thieu Si Sac – Viet Duc Hospital on changes and ways to restore sexual function after stroke.

1. Can a stroke cause erectile dysfunction?

Rarely does a stroke cause sexual problems like erectile dysfunction. However, stroke and its corresponding severity can directly affect a man’s sex drive, ability, and confidence.

Lifestyle stresses and physical changes caused by a stroke can have a negative impact on your sex life. Post-stroke patients may need a temporary adjustment period.

A study conducted by the American Stroke Association found that up to 80% of men who reported experiencing erectile dysfunction after a stroke regained normal function within a few months.

2. Sex and changes after stroke

Stroke survivors can overcome the effects of sexual function and regain a healthy sex life with their partner. Here are the most common concerns related to sex after a stroke.

After a stroke, the sex life of the patient is affected to a certain extent.

2.1 Fear of another stroke

After experiencing a stroke, people are very afraid of having another stroke. The increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate associated with sexual activity can all combine to contribute to a stroke risk.

However, the chance of having a stroke during sex is very low. For most men, the energy expended during sex is equivalent to climbing stairs. In other words, this fear is present in your head, so it’s important to relax and not let phobias or physical inferiority stop you from enjoying life after your stroke.

2.2 Decreased sex drive

Mental and emotional health has a big impact on your sex life. As a stroke survivor, there are many things to worry about such as the economy, changes in health, or low self-esteem about body image or language… This is understandable. is to keep you from being “in the mood” for sex for an extended period of time. Moreover, some drugs such as anti- depression and beta blockers can also have a negative effect on sex drive.

When experiencing this condition, it is advisable to see a specialist medical facility for monitoring combined with individual or couples therapy sessions to help find ways to stimulate sexual desire again.

2.3 Immobilization or paralysis

Some people after a stroke cannot fully control the movements of their arms and legs. Total paralysis on one side of the body is also one of the potential complications. This obviously makes some positions almost impossible to return to normal activities, especially in movement and sex.

The use of pillows can help in some cases when having sex. In addition, the patient must be relaxed and willing to experiment with new forms or positions to create comfort for both parties that can help overcome the lack of physical capacity.

2.4 Depression reduces libido after stroke

Depression after a stroke is a leading cause of decreased sex drive.

The development of depression is a common side effect for many people after a stroke. While depression itself certainly affects a person’s sex life, prescriptions recommended by a doctor can also affect it.

Talk to your doctor about how your medications are affecting your life, including your sex life. It is possible that your doctor will advise and change alternatives that do not provide the same side effects.

2.5 Loss of language

Aphasia is the inability to speak or understand spoken language. This makes easy, open communication a necessity for intimacy that is hard to come by.

If you are suffering from aphasia after a stroke, creativity is key. Touching, stroking, or nonverbal gestures and movements can all help convey love and desire between partners. It may take time and effort, but your happiness is important.

3. Consult a doctor about sexual dysfunction after a stroke

Either way, the first thing men should do when considering how and when to resume sexual activity is to consult a trusted medical professional.

The therapists will share concerns and help advise on the safety of sex after a stroke and the best way to continue. Another important step is to consult with your partner and discuss the options you both have and how comfortable you are with each.

When ready, sexual activity after a stroke can be another challenge you both face and overcome together. If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or symptoms of low testosterone after a stroke, see a specialist.

When having problems with sexual health, it is necessary to go to a specialized medical facility for timely advice.

4. What to do to restore sex after a stroke?

Many people after stroke are often too worried or depressed … making sex difficult. These problems can be resolved with appropriate medical care and sexual counseling.

You should have sex after you have rested and relaxed. The best time is early in the morning or after a nap. If having sex during the day, it is best to wait one to three hours after a full meal for the food to be fully digested and the digestive system to rest. rest. If you’re on medication, take it before you start having sex. Relax your mind and avoid any feeling that your body may have changed after a stroke. This can easily cause difficulties and worries about failure in “love”. A pillow can be used to help support the side of the body that has been affected by the stroke during sexual activity. For example, if a patient is left hemiplegic after a stroke, place a pillow on the patient’s left side. If it is on the right side, then putting it on the right side of the patient will help make sex easier. When “in love”, couples should choose a quiet, familiar space and minimize the influence of factors. surrounding element.

Any problem to improve sex life means a lot to the patient. When patients and partners feel comfortable and secure about their sex lives, quality of life will also improve.