Sexual expression is like a box of chocolates. It’s an activity that offers a variety of options. Comes in all kinds of delicious textures and flavors. Additionally, most people that are open to exploring new things will delight in sampling an assortment of nutty, creamy, and at times messy adventures. Plus, the health benefits of learning to express one's desires are a definite bonus and are not limited to a reduction in stress, pain, depression, heart disease, prostate cancer, and vaginal atrophy.
Furthermore, almost all living and breathing beings enjoy sex and intimacy. That’s right. Just because a person lives with a spinal cord injury (SPI), cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), fibromyalgia, or another type of limiting disability does not mean they don’t want to have sex, enjoy intimacy and touch, or even experience an orgasm.
If this rings true for you, talk with your physician and/or occupational therapist to openly explore healthy and safe ways to experiment with different adaptive sex devices and techniques so that you and your partner can enjoy a more pleasure able sex life.
Oh Yes, Full Body Pleasure Is Possible
Let’s face it, movies, books, or even our own expectations can lead us to believe that climaxing with a full body release is the only way to achieve sexual satisfaction. This way of thinking is not only false, but also leads to the misnomer that persons who are paralyzed, live with a disease, or have physical limitations are asexual.
If you didn’t know it already, your body is a mysterious creation that is made up of billions of smaller structures that include four major structures: cells, tissues, organs, and systems. That means that no matter what shape your body is in, you literally have countless different opportunities to stimulate and trigger physical, emotional, and psychological feelings of sexual intimacy and satisfaction.
Along those lines, individuals are not limited to just physical orgasms. According to Chelsie Reed, PhD Psychology, “Mental orgasms are not just a party trick. It is a chance for those who have physical disabilities and differences to reclaim their orgasmic abilities. Yes, orgasm can be for fun and enjoyment as well as for procreation. Women with spinal cord cuts, who have been studied “achieving” a mental orgasm while in an MRI machine, have the same reaction in their brains as when they have a masturbatory orgasm.
Men with spinal cord cuts—full cuts not just crushes—have reported and shown to have produced an orgasm resulting in ejaculation. This then makes mental orgasms another option for those men to father children. Even more importantly, they can father children without medical intervention that can be expensive and physically invading.”
Now that we’ve covered the possibilities, it’s time to go over a few safety precautions.
Safety Before Sexy Time
First, an unplanned pregnancy and catching a sexually transmitted disease are real possibilities after sexy time. Condoms are one of the best deterrents to protect you and a partner from either scenario. At FunLove.com, we offer condoms in a variety of sizes, textures, thicknesses, and flavors. We also have polyisoprene condoms for those with latex allergies or sensitivities.
Cleanliness should also take priority before, during, and after sexy time. Make sure that you properly wash your sex toys and self between sexual activities. Also, since other accidents can happen that turn your spring fresh smelling sheets into something resembling a mud-wrestling tournament, you may want to first lay down disposable pads or use waterproof sheets to help make cleanup less fussy. If you don’t, bacteria can invade and infect your body resulting in undesirable health complications.
Closely related, skin care is equally as important. Those with skin sensitivity and impaired nerves need to be extra cautious of damaging skin from shearing, pressure, or rubbing during sexual activity. Padding and positioning can help prevent pressure and friction injuries. Finding the best personal lubricant for your needs will greatly reduce friction and pulling.
Lastly, for those with a SCI at T6 and above, autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a major health concern that you and your partner need to be aware of before engaging in sexual activity. This unhealthy rise in blood pressure can be triggered by rough stimulation of the genital area, using a vibrator for stimulation, or experiencing an orgasm.
As we make no claim to being medical professionals, you should discuss AD with your health care provider prior to having sex so that you can put together a plan of action to spot signs and know what to do in case it occurs.
With the basics out of the way, it’s time to dive into different adaptive sex devices and stimulants to help give your sex life a boost.
Time to Expand Your Horizons with These Sex Adaptations
We all experience sex in a different way. There is no cookie cutter mold for how it should be experienced. Self exploration will help you figure out what stimulates and arouses you. You can then share those details with a partner. Most importantly though, have an open and honest conversation partner about each of your likes and dislikes, physical limitations, potential spasm triggers, and actions that could result in loss of control of bodily functions.
There are also adaptive sex devices and techniques that you can use to increase intimacy and pleasure, as well as improve movement and partner participation. Just remember that you should consult with a medical provider or therapist prior to using some of these sexy suggestions.
Door Jam Slings and Love Swings
Door jam slings and love swings can be used as an alternative to a Hoyer Lift. These adaptive sex devices lift a partner into different positions making them more accessible for oral play and intercourse.
Those with reduced lower body strength and mobility can be in a locked and secure seated position underneath a sling or swing while their partner is suspended above them with the ability to brace and move in a way that is pleasurable for both of you. You just need to be aware of weight restrictions and proper installation to avoid injury.
Straps, Cuffs, and Harnesses
Occupational Therapist Lauren Varriale has shared that neoprene ankle cuffs and leg straps are ideal for people with high spasms and they can be used to carefully restrain movement. These adaptable sex devices also allow a partner to assist with the movement and positioning of lower extremities if the other partner has diminished muscle tone.
Doggie style harnesses or straps are placed across the pelvis. These adaptive devices are good for people with hypersensitivity to help reduce pressure, as well as help a partner change position of pelvis to allow for deeper penetration.
Pleasure Rings
Pleasure rings are designed to slip on your tongue, finger, or penis and may or may not come with a vibrator for added stimulation. Tongue rings with vibrators are ideal for people with limited movement as they allow for them to bring heightened oral stimulation to their partner. In turn, the reverse can also be said for a partner who wants to enhance sensory touch to areas on their partner where they may not feel much otherwise. A finger ring with vibrator offers the same benefits.
A penis ring is used to help constrict blood flow to the penis to promote a more natural erection. Penis rings with vibrators will also enhance the sexual experience for both partners depending on position.
Explore Even More Adaptive Sex Devices at FunLove.com
At FunLove.com, we are committed to providing the largest selection of high-quality body-safe products in the industry. This includes offering fun ways to experiment with different adaptive sex devices and techniques.
For even more ideas take a look at our blogs on penis pumps 101, guide to buying a vibrator, and temperature play.
Have questions? You can contact our helpful Customer Service department by calling 866-FUN-LOVE.
Make sure that you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our current promotions, other fun products, and tips on how to spice up your sexual adventures.
