A brain injury can alter a person’s sexual experiences and expressions. Reduced sex drive, issues with sexual functioning (such as impotence), and inappropriate sexual behaviour are all possible problems. Even though discussing sex with loved ones might be awkward, it is crucial for the person with a brain injury and their family to talk about these issues. It’s best to consult a professional and seek their advice.
How traumatic injury affects the brain?
Any brain impairment that develops after birth is an acquired brain injury (ABI). Damage brought on by an infection, a disease, lack of oxygen, or a trauma to the head are just a few potential causes. One kind of ABI is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Usually, one of the reasons is a direct blow to the head, like in a vehicle accident.
Traumatic brain injury can alter thinking, behavior, and bodily functions depending on which brain areas were injured and to what extent. If there is a serious injury, the symptoms and loss of function will be more noticeable.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the different severities of brain injuries. They may include any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Confusion
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils
Changes to sexual behaviour after traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Following a severe head injury, sexual behaviour frequently changes in the following ways:
Reduced Libido: Approximately half of those with a severe head injury report a decline in libido. The libido increases or doesn’t change throughout the remainder.
Erectile dysfunction – Following an injury, between 40% and 60% of men experience either temporary or permanent impotence.
Inability to orgasm: Between 30% and 40% of men and women say they face difficulty having an orgasm.
Reduced sexual activity: Possible causes include disability, despair, the breakup of a relationship, and sexual difficulties.
Sexual issues’ root causes and TBI
A lot of brain regions are involved in sexual arousal and functioning. A person might have trouble engaging in sexual activity if those areas are harmed. Even while their bodily functions still function, they might not have the same level of sexual arousal.
Other conditions may also develop after a severe Brain Trauma which can further result in sexual distress. These elements consist of:
- Stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms can all lower sex desire.
- Medication: Some medicines have the potential to lower libido.
- Associated injuries – if an accident caused an injury in a person’s brain, they may also have other ailments that directly impact their sexual function (such as a spinal cord injury).
- Relationship breakdown: A couple experiencing relationship problems is less likely to engage in sexual activity. Such problems are common with a Traumatic Injury patient.
- Aggravate sexual issues before TBI: Brain damage might worsen any sexual issues a person was experiencing before the injury.
- A brain injury may make a person feel less confident, decreasing their likelihood of experiencing a sexual urge.
- Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are two more diseases that might lower libido.
Resuming Sex after a Brain injury
Speak with your doctor before having sex again. Here are some broad recommendations: Talk about your hopes, concerns, and emotions. Most relationship issues can be resolved if a couple is open and honest.
Avoid putting too much strain on yourself by taking it easy. Put pleasure first, not skill. You might need to modify your previous method of making love for a period. If penis-in-vagina sex isn’t possible, try other sexual activities like oral sex and mutual masturbation.
Make an effort to make your relationship more romantic. Consider remembering to admire and congratulate each other, expressing affection (such as kissing and hugging), and commemorating significant events like birthdays.
Improper sexual behaviour following a brain damage
A person with a brain injury could occasionally act inappropriately sexually, such as masturbating in public. Family members may find it challenging to deal with this kind of behavior.
Consult your doctor for advice, but here are some suggestions in general:
- Try to remain calm when dealing with people suffering from TBI.
- Inform the individual that their actions are improper and provide them with alternatives. You may request that they masturbate in their bedroom rather than the living room.
Brain Injury can leave the patient feeling more vulnerable. It’s always recommended to treat patients with compassion.
Conclusion
The most common cause of traumatic brain damage is a severe blow or jolt to the head or body. Traumatic brain injury can also result from an object passing through brain tissue, such as a gunshot or fractured piece of the skull. In this case, you can contact a lawyer and get detailed insights.
