Traumatic brain injury and sexual issues

A brain injury can change the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality. Common problems can include reduced sex drive, difficulties with sexual functioning (such as impotence) and behaving sexually at inappropriate times.

Talking about sex can be embarrassing, but it is important for the person with brain injury and their loved ones to discuss the various issues. Seek professional advice. If your specialists don’t discuss sexual issues after brain injury, ask – everyone is entitled to express their sexuality.

How traumatic injury affects the brain

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. Causes can include damage resulting from infection, disease, lack of oxygen or a blow to the head. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one type of ABI. It is usually caused by a direct injury to the head – for example, in a car accident.

Traumatic brain injury can cause changes in thinking, behaviour and body function, depending on which brain areas were affected and to what degree. Generally, the more severe the injury, the more significant the symptoms and loss of function will be.

Changes to sexual behaviour after TBI

Some common changes in sexual behaviour after a traumatic head injury include:

• Reduced libido – about half of people with a traumatic head injury experience a drop in sex drive. The remainder experience increased libido or no change at all.
• Erectile problems – between 40 and 60 per cent of men have either temporary or permanent impotence following their injury.
• Inability to orgasm – up to 40 per cent of men and women report difficulties having an orgasm.
• Reduced frequency of sex – some of the possible reasons for this include disability, depression, relationship break up and sexual problems.

Causes of sexual issues and TBI

Sexual functioning and arousal involve a number of areas of the brain. If those areas are damaged, a person may experience difficulties having sex. They may not feel sexual in the same way, even though the physical functions still work.

Other factors after brain damage may also contribute to, or even cause, the person’s sexual problems. These factors could include:

• Emotions – include depression, anxiety and stress reduce sex drive.
• Drugs – certain medications can dampen libido.
• Associated injuries – if, for example, the person sustained brain injury in an accident, they may have other injuries that directly affect their sexual functioning (such as a spinal cord injury).
• Relationship breakdown – a couple experiencing problems are less likely to have sex.
• Prior sexual difficulties – brain injury can exacerbate any sexual problems the person was having before the injury occurred.
• Reduced confidence – the person may feel less confident or attractive after the brain injury, which makes them less likely to feel sexual.
• Other illnesses – such as diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure) can reduce libido.

Resuming sex after brain injury

Before resuming sex, consult with your doctor. Be guided by their advice, but general suggestions include:

• Talk about your expectations, fears and feelings. A couple can solve most relationship problems if they communicate frankly with each other.
• Take it easy, and try not to put too much pressure on yourselves.
• Focus on pleasure, rather than technique. You may need to adapt your prior style of lovemaking for a while. For example, if penis-in-vagina sex isn’t possible, experiment with other sexual activities including oral sex and mutual masturbation.
• Concentrate on boosting the romance in your relationship. Suggestions include remembering to appreciate and compliment each other, offering lots of affection (such as kissing and cuddling) and celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and Valentine’s Day.

Overcoming sexual problems after brain injury

Sexual difficulties after brain injury should be discussed with your doctor, who can give you information and advice. General suggestions include:

• Seek treatment for depression, stress and anxiety, if necessary.
• If your reduced libido is due to medication, it may be possible to take different drugs under your doctor’s supervision.
• Treatment for erectile problems includes counselling and medication.
• Some people with brain injury forget about important sexual issues such as contraception, initiating sex or pleasuring their partner during sex. Counselling may be useful.
• Prior contraceptive methods may not be practical after brain injury – for example, a woman with memory problems may forget to take the pill every day. Seek advice on appropriate contraceptives.
• Use aids such as erotic videos and magazines to help arousal.

Inappropriate sexual behaviour after brain injury

Sometimes, a person with brain injury may behave sexually at inappropriate times – for example, they may masturbate in front of people. This type of behaviour can be difficult on the family members.

Seek advice from your doctor, but general suggestions include:

• Try to be calm. If you appear shocked or distressed, it could make the person feel there is something wrong with their sexuality.
• Tell the person that their behaviour is inappropriate and offer alternatives. For example, you could ask them to masturbate in their bedroom instead of the lounge room.
• You may need to remind the person many times to curb their inappropriate sexual behaviour, so be patient.
• Discuss the issue with the person’s therapists or other support staff. Family members and others closely involved with the person should also be consulted. Try to develop a consistent way of dealing with inappropriate behaviour.
• Talk about sexual issues with the person. Set firm boundaries on sexual behaviour. Help them to find appropriate and satisfying ways to express their sexuality.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Neurologist
• Disability Unit, Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0121
• BrainLink Tel. 1800 677 579
• Leadership Plus (formerly Action for Community Living) Tel. (03) 9489 2999 or 1300 727 017
• Brain Foundation Tel. 1300 886 660 or (03) 9905 3950
• Brain Injury Australia (formerly known as Head Injury Council of Australia) Tel. (02) 9808 9390 or 1800 BRAIN1 (1800 272 461)
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation Unit, Epworth Hospital Tel. (03) 9426 6666
• Victorian Brain Disorders Program, ABI Behaviour Consultancy Service Tel. (03) 9490 7366

Things to remember

• Brain injury can alter the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality.
• Common problems can include reduced sex drive, difficulties with sexual functioning (such as erectile problems) and behaving sexually at inappropriate times.
• Talking about sex can be embarrassing, but it is important for the person with brain injury and their loved ones to discuss the various issues and seek professional advice.

You might also be interested in:

• Acquired brain injury.
  
• Alcohol related brain impairment.
  

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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: April 2011

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Traumatic brain injury can change the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality. Common problems can include reduced sex drive, difficulties with sexual functioning (such as impotence) and behaving sexually at inappropriate times.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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