Sexuality & Physical Disabilities
Everyone is sexual and has a sexual identity. How you express your sexuality is influenced by many factors, such as your age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, disability, body image, values, attitudes, and beliefs. These factors also play a role in your choices concerning sexual activity. How, when, and whether you are sexually active with another person is your choice.
Expressing your sexuality
Sex is not limited to sexual intercourse. There are many ways to express your sexuality, such as
- outercourse (kissing, touching, mutual masturbation)
- oral sex
- penetrative sex (anal, vaginal, or through the use of sex toys)
- masturbation
- fantasizing (i.e. thinking about sex)
Learning more about your body and sexual thoughts and feelings, and educating yourself about sexual and reproductive health and rights issues can help you to make informed decisions about your sexual and reproductive health and becoming sexually active.
Safer sex
Practicing safer sex helps to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV or having an unplanned pregnancy. Sex without consent is unsafe sex and you have the right to refuse any form of sexual activity.
Know your sexual and reproductive rights
Understanding your sexual and reproductive rights and communicating them to others is important. Rights are about dignity, respect, and responsibility. Being treated with dignity and respect also involves respecting the rights of others by engaging in healthy sexual relationships and practicing safer sex. For more information on your sexual and reproductive rights, see our Sexuality and Disability page.
Links
Sexual Health and Fertility after Brain and Spinal Cord Injury: Sexuality and Disability
Spiderbytes: Sexuality and disability: Frequently Asked Questions
Print resources
Kaufman, Miriam; Odette, Fran; & Silverberg, Cory. The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain and Illness. Published in 2003.
