Additional Resources
Below are websites, additional videos, e-books and more to help you understand more about your body and the impact of SCI.
A Consumer education video lecture from University of Alabama led by Dr. Phil Klebine and Dr. Marcalee Alexander
A downloadable PDF manual of sex toys and positioning aids
An educational module developed through support of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
A series of videos created by Dr. Mitchell Tepper that discuss positioning for men and women, the importance of touch, among other things
An article written by Dr. Marcalee Alexander and colleagues describing a systematic approach for clinicians working with persons SCI to improve sexual functioning and response
Helpful Organizations and Websites:
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center: The MSKTC is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and burn injury (Burn). The MSKTC works closely with researchers in the 14 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems to develop resources for people living with spinal cord injuries and their supporters. See http://www.msktc.org/sci for general information or for sexuality and sexual function after spinal cord injury, see http://www.msktc.org/sci/factsheets/sexuality .
University of Alabama School of Medicine: (UAB-SCIMS) maintains this Information Network as a resource to promote knowledge in the areas of research, health and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries, their families, and SCI-related professionals. Includes fact sheets, videos and links to other useful websites. See http://www.uab.edu/medicine/sci or see info on Sexual Function After SCI at http://www.uab.edu/medicine/sci/daily-living/sexuality-a-sexual-function
Spinal Cord injury BC -website of the Sexual Health Rehabilitation Service. This site has invaluable information for both consumers and medical professionals that covers every aspect of sexuality and spinal cord injury. They really have set the gold standard bar in terms of sexual health in both the SCI population and the disabled population in general. See http://sexualhealth.sci-bc.ca.
SCI-U is a series of 10 multimedia courses about learning to live with spinal cord injury. The courses have been designed to give you the information you need to live a healthy, active life. They were developed by people who live with SCI, in collaboration with researchers and clinicians. See http://www.sci-u.ca/
Facing Disability.com is an excellent website for families facing spinal cord injury that has more than 1,500 videos of family members answering real-life questions about how they cope with a spinal cord injury. For videos and information related to sexuality, see https://facingdisability.com/
MobileWOMEN.org is an online magazine for women in wheelchairs, created by women in wheelchairs, who were having difficulty finding answers to their questions about health, fashion, and other topics. Their mission is to bring together current and accurate information on issues of interest to our community. It is a website where women can ask questions and share experiences. See mobilewomen.org
Dr. Mitch Tepper.com is an internet site on sexuality and pleasure pertaining to men and women with paralysis or disability. Operated by Mitch Tepper, Ph.D., a sexuality counselor who is quadriplegic. See http://www.drmitchelltepper.com
Resources for Adaptive Devices
Numerous devices are designed to enhance sexual experiences and are available from a variety of sources, including internet sites, drug stores, mail order catalogues, “sex shops,” and adult bookstores.
These websites and suppliers have been found helpful by people with Spinal Cord Injury:
Sportsheets.com
An online store with products specially designed to help people with disabilities. They also have a great and informative blog.
Good Vibrations
Online store with products for individuals and couples and a variety of resources.
MyPleasure.com
Provides a superior shopping experience for women’s sex toys, men’s sex toys, and sex accessories.
uromed.com
Online site designed to help wheelchair users access the urology supplies they need.
Urologyhealthstore.com
Urology products for women and men, including erectile dysfunction products and spinal cord injury ejaculation devices that are FDA and CE certified.
SILC ARTS
An etsy store creating handmade custom sex toys as well as handle extension (page in link).
Books
Suggested reading for anyone who wants to learn more
"Disability & the Art of Kissing: Questions and Answers on the True Nature of Intimacy" (Life on Wheels Press, 2006)
Disability awareness author and speaker Gary Karp explores the subject of sexuality in a way that is touches upon many common concerns of people living with spinal cord injury. Disability & the Art of Kissing is a collection of concise responses to essential questions about intimacy and sexuality in the context of disability touching upon the universal nature of love.
"Is Fred Dead? A Manual on Sexuality for Men with Spinal Cord Injuries," Robert W. Baer, Psy.D. (Dorrance Publishing Co., March 2004)
Robert W. Baer, Psy.D., offers detailed and useful information for resuming sexual relations and developing an increased level of intimacy. Sexual anatomy is discussed, as is the sexual response cycle, erectile dysfunction, fertility techniques, positions, and sexualaids.
"Regain That Feeling: Secrets to Sexual Self-Discovery," Mitchell Tepper, PhD, MPH
People living with spinal cord injuries share profound insights into sex, pleasure, relationships, orgasm, and the importance of connectedness
"Sexual Health (Four Volumes)," Mitchell Tepper, PhD, MPH
"This comprehensive anthology of sexual health is an essential resource for clinical practice, medical education, and further advancements in our understanding of human sexuality." -Anita H. Clayton, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia
E-Books:
"Sexual Sustainability: Your guide to having a great sex life with a spinal cord disorder" Dr. Marcalee Alexander, 2017
If you or a loved one have a spinal cord disorder or injury, this book is for you. Here, in a concise format you can learn how to maximize your sexual responses and capacity for orgasm. In a straight-forward, simplified format, this book will give you the help you understand the impact of having a spinal cord injury or disorder on sexual responses and help you understand what issues can positively or negatively impact your ability to experience sexual pleasure. This book is an important read for anyone who has a spinal cord disorder or who loves someone with a spinal cord disorder.
"Living Your Life: Sexuality Following Spinal Cord Injury" (.pdf file)
Available from United Spinal Association and Hollister that discusses the basics of sexuality and fertility afterspinal cord injury. (https://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/SexualityFollowingSCIBooklet.pdf)