Does hemiplegia affect arousal/orgasm?

KezzaBee

Hi, my son has hemiplegia.down his right side, he is nearly 14, and it's occured to my that his hemi may affect him sexually. I can't find anything on the internet about this and wondered what people's experiences are? In the past when he was a younger child he has described his experience of hemiplegia to be a very clear line down his body including his penis, with everything on his right hand side having little sensation. Is this potentially going to affect his ability to be aroused/enjoy sensation/have orgasm? If so how can I as his mother support him appropriately as he gets further into puberty. I don't think he is currently exploring his sexuality, but feel like he physically is at the point of development that the average kid would be. I guess that's what's got me worried! Hopefully it won't ever be an issue for him but any experience or insight would be useful! Thanks!

Richard_Scope

Hi @KezzaBee
Nice to meet you and a great question! 

Hemiplegia does not affect arousal or sexual function. He will develop similarly to his peers, although everybody is an individual and develops at different rates.

Happy to talk further if you would like.

KezzaBee

Thanks, that is reassuring.  I have also read that strokes in adults can cause sexual dysfunction so thought perhaps it was also a risk for those who had perinatal stroke. 

Richard_Scope

For adults who have had a stroke, there may be multiple factors affecting libido and function.

• adjusting to their acquired body change
• medications
• poor self-image

KezzaBee

Aha, I see. OK, my worries are allayed. thanks so much!