Sex life after a stroke
For most people sex is still possible after a stroke. Whilst men may have difficulty getting a good erection after their stoke, this should be only temporary. You have two sets of nerves, running down both sides of your spinal cord to your penis. Even if you lose one set of nerves, the other set will suffice. It is very rare to have both sets effected by a stroke.

Women too lose their sex drives after a stroke or illness – often due to tiredness. A loving and encouraging partner can help revive your love life.

Sex is generally safe. However, it does raise your blood pressure, and if this is already dangerously high, your doctor may recommend tablets to lower your blood pressure. Some blood pressure lowering tablets can adversely effect a man’s ability to get an erection. If you experience problems in having sex when you are on medication, discuss this with your doctor. He or she can arrange a change in medication or alternative medical help, such as injections into the penis or even surgery.

It is vital to remember that sex is an act of love and fun with one’s partner. Try experimenting with different positions, for example on your sides or with the well partner on top. Practising your foreplay can be very satisfying for each other, and may take the stress out of climaxing. Research shows that the most satisfying sexual relationships arise in couples who stay together and keep practising.

Remember that there is help, in the form of medication or surgery. Discuss this with your doctor. And above all, talk about it with each other. Tell each other what you like, how you like it done and what timing is good for you. Your understanding of each other’s needs will help you pull through what is basically a difficult time together.

Communicating after a stroke
In certain instances of stroke, people experience difficulty in both speaking and understanding what is said to them. The severity and extent of the stroke can of course vary greatly. So, you could have trouble understanding what is said to you for weeks. Alternatively, you could understand everything that is said to you, but be capable only of uttering nonsensical words in return.

Equally, you could both understand and be able to use a huge vocabulary, but experience difficulties in forming words orally, and have to speak slowly or with a slur. This is called “dysarthria”. It presents you with problems, because people assume that your slowness means that you do not understand, when in fact you understand perfectly well what is being said to you.

Your doctor will be able to diagnose exactly how your stroke has effected your ability to communicate. He or she will be able to put you in contact with a speech therapist in your area. You can take a friend or family member along if you want their support when you visit your doctor.

A speech therapist can help too
A speech therapist should be able to assess every detail of your communication problems. They will then prepare a program of therapy for you to follow. This program may involve your family and friends.

How your family and friends can help
Family and friends should be prepared to get involved with your speech therapy. Their involvement can be a determining factor in a successful outcome. You and they will have to work very hard to achieve a successful result. Set out below are a few useful tips for them:

• Speak slowly and clearly, but not loudly.
• Be prepared to repeat what you say, may be in smaller phrases, pausing between each phrase.
• Listen with patience to your friend or family member, even if they are talking very slowly.
• Encourage your friend or family member to write down anything if that helps them to communicate.
• Watch television or listen to the radio together.
• Spend time relaxing together.
• Look at photos together and talk about what you see.
• Remember that your friend or family member may tire easily.

Be patient and remember that your love and support at this time can have an important and beneficial effect on your friend or family member’s life.

Related posts:

1. Stroke And The After Effect
2. Reducing The Risk of Stroke
3. Stroke “crisis” in Europe, health experts warn!
4. Blood pressure changes before stroke
5. Hypertension: Who is at risk?