Sexual health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing and a key component of recovery during rehabilitation from physical injuries. When individuals are recovering from injuries that impact their mobility or sexual functioning, addressing their sexual health needs is often overlooked or ignored altogether.
Ignoring these issues can lead to negative psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Therefore, it is essential to make sexual health a meaningful part of rehabilitation for injured service members.
To do this, medical professionals must be trained to assess and address sexual health concerns early on in the rehabilitation process. This includes identifying specific sexual health goals, educating patients about their options, and providing access to resources and services. It also involves creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns openly.
Rehabilitative programs should incorporate activities and exercises that promote sexual health and intimacy, such as communication exercises, body awareness practices, and sensory exploration.
Family members and partners should be involved in the rehabilitation process, with regular check-ins to discuss sexual health and how they can support the injured individual's recovery. This may include helping them communicate their desires and preferences, assisting with intimate activities, and encouraging them to engage in self-care practices that promote sexual health.
Policy changes need to be implemented to ensure that sexual health is considered a fundamental part of rehabilitation for all injured service members. This may involve expanding coverage for sex therapy, adjusting disability benefits to include sexual health expenses, and ensuring that sexual health providers are available within military hospitals and clinics. By prioritizing sexual health during rehabilitation, we can help individuals regain their physical function while also improving their mental and emotional wellbeing.
How can sexual health become a meaningful part of rehabilitation for injured service members?
Sexual health is an essential aspect of life that should not be ignored during rehabilitation after an injury. Injured service members who are recovering may experience changes in their sex drive, intimacy, and physical functioning, among others. According to experts, incorporating sexual health into rehabilitation programs can help them cope with the difficulties brought by their injuries and improve their overall well-being.