Stroke survivors “scared to have sex”

More than half of stroke survivors (57%) say their sex life has changed since their stroke, with a third (32%) of these reporting that they are too scared to have sex, according to new figures⁽ⁱ⁾ from the Stroke Association. The charity says that this can be down to people’s fears that simply having sex may bring on another attack⁽ⁱⁱ⁾.

This Valentine’s Day, the charity is highlighting the negative impact of stroke on people’s intimate relationships, while millions of other couples celebrate romance and love. As part of its Rebuilding Lives campaign, the Stroke Association wants more stroke survivors to talk about this sensitive but important issue as part of their recovery.

The Stroke Association’s survey of stroke survivors also found that amongst those who felt their sex life had changed:

• More than a quarter (27%) said they don’t have sex as much as they used to
• Around one in six (17%) said they don’t have sex at all anymore
• Almost one in three (31%) said having sex would be difficult
• More than one in five (21%) people said they feel as if their partner doesn’t want to have sex anymore

Stroke can bring about physical or emotional changes that can have a negative impact on survivors’ relationships and sex life. For many people, it can be upsetting or embarrassing to talk about sexual issues. However, it's important to get advice and support when it comes to sex after stroke.

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK every year and around one in four strokes happen to people of working age (18 – 64 years).

Bridget Bergin, Executive Director of Stroke Support at the Stroke Association, said: “When someone has a stroke their life changes in an instant and it’s very common for it to affect your relationships, including your sex life. It’s not unusual to feel low or depressed after a stroke, and this can make you feel as if you have lost interest in sex.

“The emotional problems are often compounded by the physical disabilities caused by the stroke. Relationships change, with many stroke survivors saying that the person who was once their partner has now become their carer.

“But sex and relationships are an important part of many people’s lives and there’s no reason why this should stop, as it can be a significant part of rebuilding their lives after stroke. With the right support and therapies, you can overcome the challenges you experience in your intimate relationship after stroke.

“After having a stroke, people have a thousand questions about how it will affect their lives but many may not feel able or confident to ask about sex. So it’s important that healthcare professionals working with stroke survivors reach out and break the ice encouraging people to explore these aspects of their recovery.

“As a stroke survivor, it’s ok to have sex, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Sex, like other forms of physical activity, can raise your blood pressure. However, this is unlikely to be a problem except in rare cases. If you are concerned, check with your doctor. The Stroke Association can also offer confidential advice to people who call our Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 or visit our website www.stroke.org.uk.”

Professor Martin James, Clinical Director of the King’s College Stroke Programme, said: “A stroke has many effects on things that other people take for granted, and when we talk about restoring the whole person after a stroke, that includes helping people to return to a fulfilling sex life.

“Many people say how they struggle with their relationships and their ability to enjoy sex after a stroke but there is help and support available. Healthcare professionals are often reluctant to raise the issue, but our National Guidelines⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾ encourage clinicians to ask about sex, as one more way of supporting people with stroke to make the best recovery that they can.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact Sokina Miah, PR & Media Officer at the Stroke Association at sokina.miah@stroke.org.ukor 0207 5660337.

Notes to Editor

About the research

• (i)Statistics based on a 4Media Relations survey of 1,001 stroke survivors, conducted in August 2019.
• (ii)Rosenbaum T, Vadas D & Kalichman L, 2014. Sexual function in post-stroke patients: considerations for rehabilitation. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 11, 15 21.
• (iii)Royal College of Physicians National Clinical Guideline for Stroke, Fifth Edition 2016