Relationships and intimacy can be affected after stroke. It takes time to adjust and adapt to changes.
As you are supported to relearn other functions like mobility and self-care, you may also find you need support to relearn how to enjoy physical relationships again.
Your stroke is likely to be just as life-changing for your partner as it is for you, which can put your relationship under a lot of strain. Your roles may change quite significantly, especially if your partner is caring for you, and it can take a while to adapt to these changes.
It can be difficult for both of you to talk about how you feel, because you think you should ‘stay strong’ for the other. But if you don’t, tension and resentment can build up between you.
Coping with the impact of stroke is not easy, but the best thing to do is to talk to each other about it. If you have communication problems, your speech and language therapist will be able to help you and your partner find ways to communicate your feelings to each other.
The first step in dealing with any problem is to talk about it. Although sex can be a difficult subject to bring up, it will help to be open about it. All the health professionals you work with should understand these issues and be able to discuss sex and relationships with you if you want to.
Contacts for advice on relationships and intimacy after stroke
Relate
www.relate.org.uk
Tel: 03001001234
Your GP can refer you to appropriate services
The Stroke Association
www.stroke.org.uk
Tel: 0303 3033 100
College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists
www.cosrt.org.uk
Outsiders
www.outsiders.org.uk
Offers support and expertise on disability, relationships and sexuality. Also offer online dating opportunities for people with a disability.
The Sex and Disability Helpline
Tel: 07770 884985
Email: sexdis@outsiders.org.uk
Open 11:00-17:00 weekdays and run by sex therapists who specialise in disability.
Confidentiality
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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302