AIM: The study examined the relationships between psychological variables and sexual functioning in persons with lower limb amputations. Body image self-consciousness during sexual activities was the strongest predictor of sexual dysfunction. The study highlights the need for psychological and psychosexual assessment and intervention following limb loss to enhance sexual functioning and overall quality of life. Implications for Rehabilitation Only half of the participants with a lower limb amputation were sexually active.
Sex and Intimacy After Amputation: Building Trust as a Couple in the Bedroom
When Approaching Sex After Your Amputation
In this article, we explore why sex and intimacy can be challenging post-amputation and how to overcome it. One of the major hurdles to intimacy with another person is low self-esteem and a poor body image. After an amputation, this challenge becomes more significant. A study conducted in Ireland looked into the psychological well-being of 49 males and 16 females with lower limb amputations and how it affected their sex life. Furthermore, some of the participants reported high levels of anxiety, depression, and body exposure self-consciousness during sex. The latter was the strongest predictor of sexual dysfunction. It will take time, but accepting your new body is the only way to improve sex and intimacy, and peer support plays an important role. Talking with other amputees about personal topics such as intimacy can be a great help in removing some of the fear. This is great news, especially for those whose love language is Physical Touch.
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I have decided to tackle discussing a sensitive issue which impacts everybody in the limb loss community — sex after an amputation. My goal is to be honest without being graphic. I am certainly no expert on the subject.
It is a counterpart to apotemnophilia , the sexual interest in being an amputee. Acrotomophiles may enjoy the idea of dominating the amputee during couples play and they may also become aroused with the thought of having to take care of an amputee. In a survey of acrotomophiles, leg amputations were preferred over arm amputations, amputations of a single limb over double amputations, and amputations that left a stump over amputations that left no stump. Some people question whether amputating one's own body parts or operating on a partner for the sake of sexual pleasure is ethical. For some, modifying the body is a private ritual of self-ownership and freedom of choice. Psychiatrists may make a diagnosis of Body integrity identity disorder B. The term amelotatism has also been used to describe acrotomophilia. The sexual interest in being an amputee is apotemnophilia.
