Sexual functioning and sexual well-being in people with a limb amputation: a cross-sectional study in the Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to: (a) investigate whether, and if so which, sexual problems are present in people with a limb amputation; (b) analyze how they experience their sexuality; and (c) investigate whether sexuality was discussed with them during their rehabilitation process. Method: In total, 301 participants completed a survey consisting of a questionnaire on participant characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire (MMQ), the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), the Questionnaire about Sexual Counselling, the Questionnaire about Sexuality and the Short Sexual Functioning Scale (SSFS). Results: Overall, 20% of the participants experienced one or more sexual dysfunction(s). Participants who had at least one sexual dysfunction were more likely to be male, had an amputation more recently, and had a more negative body image. Moreover, sexuality was only scantly discussed by rehabilitation professionals. Conclusions: Sexual problems and sexual dysfunctions do occur in people with a limb amputation, but these problems are not discussed during the rehabilitation process. Justice for a person's “whole body” can only be served when sexuality is taken seriously in rehabilitation care in order to avoid cutting sexuality out of an amputee's life.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• People with a limb amputation may be confronted with sexual problems and/or sexual dysfunctions.

• It is therefore important that sexuality is taken seriously as a part of standard rehabilitation care and that professionals bring up the issue of sexuality during the rehabilitation process.

• Amputation
• limb
• sexual function
• sexual well-being
• sexuality

Acknowledgements

Data collection was facilitated through a prosthetic workshop (Orthopedische Instrumentenmakerij; OIM), the National Association for Amputees (Landelijke Vereniging voor Geamputeerden; LVvG), the foundation “Korter maar Krachtig” (KmK) and the Regional Association for Amputees (RVvG).

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.