{"id":5345,"date":"2026-07-13T15:06:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:06:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/?page_id=5345"},"modified":"2026-07-13T19:15:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:15:58","slug":"sexual-health-women","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/sci-categories\/sexual-health\/sexual-health-women\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Health for Women"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1465035036\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-599880193\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-987113561\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<style>\n.shw{background:linear-gradient(150deg,#831843 0%,#BE185D 55%,#EC4899 100%);padding:44px 40px 40px;width:100%;overflow:hidden;}\n.shw *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0;}\n.shw-in{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto;}\n.shw-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.shw-tag{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);color:#fff;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:20px;white-space:nowrap;}\n.shw-line{flex:1;height:1px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);min-width:20px;}\n.shw-series{font-size:10px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);white-space:nowrap;}\n.shw-title{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:30px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.2;color:#fff;margin-bottom:12px;}\n.shw-sub{font-size:15px;font-weight:300;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);line-height:1.65;max-width:600px;margin-bottom:24px;}\n.shw-stats{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;}\n.shw-stat{flex:1;min-width:100px;padding:12px 16px;border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.shw-stat:last-child{border-right:none;}\n.shw-num{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;line-height:1;margin-bottom:3px;}\n.shw-lbl{font-size:9px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n.shw{padding:32px 20px 28px;}\n.shw-title{font-size:22px;}\n.shw-stat{border-right:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);flex:0 0 50%;}\n.shw-stat:nth-child(odd){border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.shw-stat:nth-last-child(-n+2){border-bottom:none;}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"shw\">\n<div class=\"shw-in\">\n<div class=\"shw-row\">\n      <span class=\"shw-tag\">SEXUAL HEALTH SERIES \u00b7 WOMEN&#8217;S HEALTH<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"shw-line\"><\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"shw-series\">3-Part Series<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-title\">Sexual Health for Women<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-sub\">After paralysis, women often wonder if they can have sex again, attract a partner, or have children. The answer is yes to all of the above \u2014 with the right information and support.<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-stats\">\n<div class=\"shw-stat\">\n<div class=\"shw-num\">8 min<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-lbl\">Read Time<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-stat\">\n<div class=\"shw-num\">1 in 8<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-lbl\">Breast Cancer Risk<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-stat\">\n<div class=\"shw-num\">50%<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-lbl\">Resume Cycle Post-Injury<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-stat\">\n<div class=\"shw-num\">3-Part<\/div>\n<div class=\"shw-lbl\">Series<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1465035036 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1975111593\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#FBCFE8;border-width:0 0 1px 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1633742082\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1785660710\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px;font-size:12px;color:#475569;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Today&#8217;s Care<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Health<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/sexual-health\/\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sexual Health<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <span>Sexual Health for Women<\/span><br \/>\n  <span style=\"margin-left:auto;color:#64748B;font-size:11px;\">\ud83d\udcc5 Updated 2026 &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; \ud83d\udcd6 ~1,500 words \u00b7 8 min read<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1975111593 {\n  padding-top: 10px;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n  background-color: #FDF2F8;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1275061013\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-346557414\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1909231015\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#FDF2F8;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 26px;margin-bottom:28px;\">\n<p style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;margin:0 0 14px;\">\ud83d\udccb In This Article<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:5px 24px;\">\n<ol style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s1\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Sex After Paralysis<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s2\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Physical &amp; Emotional Changes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s3\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Intimacy: Bladder &amp; Bowel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s4\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Intimacy &amp; Orgasm<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\" style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s5\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Pregnancy &amp; Childbirth<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s6\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Breast Health<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s7\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Birth Control<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s8\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Resources &amp; Support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:17px;line-height:1.8;color:#475569;border-left:4px solid #BE185D;padding-left:20px;margin:0 0 44px;font-weight:300;\">Sexual identity is a significant and encompassing aspect of one&#8217;s personality. Paralysis often changes physical functioning, sensation and response, and self-image can be shaken \u2014 but it does not have to change a woman&#8217;s ability to feel attractive, intimate, or fulfilled.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s1\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Sex After Paralysis<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Women wonder if they can have sex again, whether they can attract a partner, whether the partner will stay, and whether having children is possible. Paralysis itself doesn&#8217;t affect a woman&#8217;s libido or her need to express herself sexually, nor does it affect her ability to conceive a child. Generally speaking, sexuality in women living with paralysis is less affected than in men \u2014 it is physically easier for a woman to adapt her sexual role, even though it may be more passive than that of a non-disabled woman.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">The key to successfully redefining one&#8217;s sexual identity is experimentation and open communication. It helps to understand the anatomy and physiology of sexual function and response, and to connect with knowledgeable health care professionals or counselors who can review the available options.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FCE7F3;border-left:4px solid #BE185D;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u2705<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 5px;\">Sexual pleasure is possible<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">While the range of sexual options may be different, physical attraction and sexual activity are realistic expectations \u2014 no matter the level or completeness of paralysis.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s2\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Physical &amp; Emotional Changes in Sexuality<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">There are no physiological changes after paralysis that prevent women from engaging in sexual activity, but a number of internal shifts occur across the body:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Positioning<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Can be an issue but can usually be accommodated with practice and planning.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Autonomic Dysreflexia<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Can be anticipated and controlled with awareness of triggers and symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Vaginal Lubrication &amp; Muscle Control<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Many women experience loss of vaginal muscle control and reduced natural lubrication, caused by interrupted nerve signals from brain to genital area. Water-based lubricants (never oil-based, such as Vaseline) can augment lubrication.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Low sex drive is common among women with paralysis. In one clinical study, Viagra was tested in women with spinal cord injuries and almost all reported that it stimulated arousal, and in some cases enhanced lubrication and sensation during intercourse.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:4px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 5px;\">Cognitive Factors in Some Conditions<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">In conditions such as multiple sclerosis, short-term memory or concentration loss can cause a partner to drift off during intimacy. This requires patience and open communication, and may benefit from psychological or medical support.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s3\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Managing Intimacy: Bladder &amp; Bowel<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Women living with paralysis often fear bowel and bladder accidents during intimacy. A few simple habits reduce that risk considerably. Note: the urethra is separate from the vagina, so a Foley catheter can be left in place during intercourse.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:8px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2713<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\"><strong>Limit fluids<\/strong> \u2014 before a planned sexual encounter<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2713<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\"><strong>Empty the bladder<\/strong> \u2014 via intermittent catheterization first<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2713<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\"><strong>Tape the catheter tube<\/strong> \u2014 to thigh or abdomen to keep it out of the way<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2713<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\"><strong>Keep a consistent bowel program<\/strong> \u2014 and avoid eating right before sex<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">With good communication, an occasional bladder or bowel accident won&#8217;t destroy a rewarding sex life.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s4\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Intimacy &amp; Orgasm<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">A woman with paralysis, like men with similar levels of function, can achieve what is described as a normal orgasm if there is some residual pelvic innervation. Researchers and clinicians point to three notable findings and tools:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:12px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83e\udde0<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 4px;\">Orgasm Reflex<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 6px;\">Dr. Marca Sipski&#8217;s research suggests paralyzed women retain an orgasm reflex requiring no brain input, with potential unrelated to injury severity for lesions down to T5.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;color:#BE185D;font-style:italic;margin:0;\">University of Alabama School of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83e\ude7a<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 4px;\">Eros Device<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 6px;\">A clitoral vacuum suction device, FDA-approved for female orgasmic dysfunction, increases blood flow and clitoral engorgement, which may boost lubrication and heighten response.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;color:#BE185D;font-style:italic;margin:0;\">Small body of supporting research<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\u2728<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 4px;\">Phantom Orgasm<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 6px;\">With practice and focused thought, some women mentally intensify sensation from another part of the body and reassign it to the genitals.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;color:#BE185D;font-style:italic;margin:0;\">Reassignment of sexual response<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s5\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Pregnancy &amp; Childbirth<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Women with paraplegia or tetraplegia who are of childbearing age usually regain their menstrual cycle \u2014 nearly 50 percent do not miss a single period following injury. Pregnancy is possible and generally not a health risk, and most paralyzed women can have normal vaginal deliveries. Still, certain complications warrant close monitoring:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Increased UTIs, pressure sores &amp; spasticity<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Common secondary conditions that require proactive management during pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Loss of pelvic sensation<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Can prevent a woman from knowing labor has begun, making close obstetric monitoring important.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Thromboembolism &amp; respiratory strain<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">With high thoracic or cervical lesions, respiratory function may need ventilator support during labor.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:4px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 5px;\">Autonomic Dysreflexia During Labor<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">AD is a serious risk during labor for women with injuries above T6 and should be anticipated and monitored closely by the care team.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">Women living with disabilities often do not receive adequate reproductive healthcare \u2014 routine pelvic exams may be skipped and providers may wrongly assume women with disabilities aren&#8217;t sexually active, leading to missed STD screening. Some providers have even (incorrectly) suggested abstaining from sex or childbearing altogether.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s6\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Breast Health<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background:#E0F2FE;border-left:4px solid #0369A1;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udca1<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#0369A1;margin:0 0 5px;\">Screening is essential<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Women with disabilities are among the one in eight women who will get breast cancer. Those with limited use of arms or hands may need alternate positions or help from an attendant or family member to perform self-exams.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">In the clinic, getting a wheelchair through the door is often the easy part \u2014 many medical offices and exam equipment remain inaccessible. Services and programs provided to patients with disabilities must be equal to those provided to patients without disabilities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s7\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Birth Control<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Since paralysis does not usually affect fertility, contraception remains important \u2014 with a few special considerations for each method:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FCE7F3;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83d\udc8a<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Oral Contraceptives<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Linked to inflammation and blood vessel clots, with greater risk in women with spinal cord injury.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FCE7F3;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83d\udd18<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Cannot always be felt by a paralyzed woman, which may allow complications to go undetected.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FCE7F3;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\u270b<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Diaphragms &amp; Spermicides<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Can be difficult to use for women with impaired hand dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1275061013 {\n  padding-top: 44px 0;\n  padding-bottom: 44px 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_989792363\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1856221120\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-87841887\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s8\" style=\"background:#831843;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Resources &amp; Further Reading<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px;\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Reeve Foundation Information Specialists<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;\">Toll-free 800-539-7309 \u00b7 Weekdays 9:00 am \u2013 8:00 pm ET<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Sexuality &amp; Reproductive Health Booklet<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sexual-Health-Booklet-4-19.pdf\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the Reeve Foundation booklet on sexuality and reproductive health after paralysis<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">CareCure Community<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"http:\/\/sci.rutgers.edu\/forum\/forumdisplay.php?3-SCI-Community-Forums\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Relationships and sexuality discussion forum<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD)<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcm.edu\/research\/centers\/research-on-women-with-disabilities\/\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Research on reproduction, sexuality, aging and independent living<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">mobileWomen<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mobilewomen.org\/\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Content portal for women with disabilities, supported in part by the Reeve Foundation<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_989792363 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1232893320\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1159693367\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1326348603\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#831843;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Key Takeaways<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Paralysis does not eliminate libido, sexual desire, or the ability to conceive \u2014 sexual pleasure remains possible at any level of injury.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Lubrication loss can be managed with water-based products; planning ahead reduces bladder and bowel concerns during intimacy.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Most women can carry a pregnancy safely, though AD, UTIs and thromboembolism risks require close monitoring \u2014 especially with injuries above T6.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Regular breast screening and reliable birth control remain essential \u2014 providers should never assume disability rules out sexual activity.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1232893320 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_495011107\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-width:1px solid #E2E8F0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-745303418\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2011604677\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.1em;color:#831843;margin:0;\">\ud83d\udcda SEXUAL HEALTH SERIES \u2014 3-Part Series<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-2011604677 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 10px 18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-2087315674\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1796397276\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#BE185D;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 1<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/sexual-health\/sexual-health-for-men\/\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sexual Health for Men<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1796397276 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-937405218\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#BE185D;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 5px;\">Sexual Health for Women<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:10px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 9px;border-radius:12px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;\">You are here<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-937405218 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-493384989\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#BE185D;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 3<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/sexual-health\/pregnancy-and-paralysis\/\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pregnancy and Paralysis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-493384989 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_495011107 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n  margin-bottom: 20px 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_132601486\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:1px 0 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1194740506\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1262957093\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#64748B;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\">Source: Christopher &amp; Dana Reeve Foundation, National Paralysis Resource Center &middot; Supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services &middot; &copy; 2026 AccessLife<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_132601486 {\n  padding-top: 16px 0 8px;\n  padding-bottom: 16px 0 8px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":5355,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5345","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5345"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5345\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5350,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5345\/revisions\/5350"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5355"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}