Sexual Health Safety

General Sexual Health

One of the most important topics when considering having a sexual relationship with another person is to have an open and honest conversation about safe sex practices.

When engaging in sexual activity with others, it is important that you take part in safe sex practices to protect you and others from Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs). Please see below for some general tips.

  • Use a barrier method (condoms and dental dams). If you or your partner have difficulty putting on a condom, female condoms can also be used.

  • Ensure you regularly get tested for STIs. 

    If you are regularly using sex toys, to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) it is important to wash sex toys between use.

  • On different parts of the body (vagina, anus and oral).

  • On different people.

Check sex toys regularly for any scratches where germs could be present and increase the risk of infection. Toys for insertion can be used with a condom, which can then be discarded.

SCI an Sexual Expression Safety
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In addition to the safe sex conversation, there are additional sexual expression safety recommendations when living with a spinal cord injury or physical disability:

Altered Sensation
Use caution when using a sex toy on an area with diminished or altered sensation. Ensure you also use caution with any toys or devices that constrict genitalia or increase in temperature. 

Skin Integrity
Be aware of sexual activity or positions that cause irritation of skin to prevent further skin breakdown and pressure sores. 

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
A sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure which is unique to people with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and can also be seen in other conditions including Multiple Sclerosis. This can be triggered by sexual arousal, ejaculation, orgasm, or stimuli to the pelvic region which may cause pain. 
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Key symptoms include

  • A pounding headache 

  • Flushed face or blotched skin

  • Sweating

  • Goosebumps

  • Nasal congestion

  • Lowered heart rate

If you experience any of these symptoms whilst engaging in sexual activity, the activity should be stopped immediately and you should be repositioned with your head raised and feet lowered to reduce symptoms. If the symptoms do not subside within five minutes, emergency personnel should be contacted. 

You should always feel safe and respected, and never be pressured to have sex without this important discussion. You and your potential sexual partner should be open and honest about your sexual health history. After all, this conversation is aimed to make sure you and your potential partner are not being infected with an incurable disease.

Below are some guidelines supporting you in what to ask during the conversation, how to start the conversation, and important STI tests that are recommended before having a sexual connection with a potential partner.

How to start the topic about Sexual Health safety with a potential partner?