3 Common Myths About Disability & Intimacy

Common Misconceptions About Having a Sex Life with a Disability Can Be Harmful

Society has many misconceptions surrounding disability and intimacy. When you or your partner has a long-term or new disability, separating fact from fiction can be challenging, discouraging, and overwhelming. Today, the IntimateRider sex and disability blog breaks down common myths about disability and intimacy while discussing ways you and your partner can grow closer and have better disabled sex.

Myth #1: People with Disabilities Don’t Desire or Can’t Have Sex

Reality: Disability & Intimacy Are Not Mutually Exclusive

Many people believe disabled individuals don’t want or can’t have sex, but this misconception could not be further from the truth. Disability does not remove the human need for intimacy, the drive for fulfilling encounters, or the desire to please your partner during intimate moments—all it does is change how those moments may occur.

Navigating disability and intimacy takes creativity, trust, and a willingness to try new things. For example, if you have chronic back pain or a spinal cord injury, you may need to adapt familiar positions to stay comfortable. If you or your partner are a recent amputee or recovering from a stroke, you may need extra time to build confidence and relearn your new capabilities. No matter your physical ability, however, you deserve a healthy and vibrant sex life. Keep an open mind as you discover what feels best for you.

Myth #2: People with Disabilities Should Only Marry or Date Other People with Disabilities

Reality: Interabled Couples Have Fulfilling & Intimate Relationships

It can sometimes feel like a disability might limit your pool of potential partners, but nothing could be further from the truth. Interabled couples—or couples where one partner has a different ability level from the other—are more common than you might think. They are just as romantic, intimate, and exciting as couples who have the same physical ability.

Interabled couples will have unique challenges while navigating disability and intimacy, including building trust or modifying sexual positions for better enjoyment or safety. But in the end, no two couples are the same regardless of physical mobility. Communication, staying in the moment, and finding what works best for you and your partner are always priorities.

Myth #3: Good Sex is Spontaneous with Little or No Planning

Reality: Preparation is Key for Disabled Intimacy

While spontaneity can be exciting, a little preparation goes a long way—particularly when pursuing an active sex life while disabled. Comfort, safety, and stability become more significant considerations when establishing quadriplegic intimacy, sex with mobility limitations, or exploring intimacy while disabled. By getting ready now, you can create the opportunity for unplanned intimacy in the future.

One of the best ways to prepare is by investing in reliable sex accessibility aids. Incorporating mobility aids explicitly built for disabled intimacy ensures you have safe and fun options during any sexual encounter. Which aid is best will vary depending on you, your partner, and your unique physical or sexual needs, but possibilities to explore could include purchasing:

• A high-quality sex swing
• Positioning devices for disabled sex
• Sex chairs for disabled or interabled couples
• Positioning straps or other accessories

IntimateRider Can Help You Navigate Disability & Intimacy

Finding a way to have a sex life with disabilities can sometimes feel isolating, so building a community is essential to navigating disability and intimacy. IntimateRider is in your corner. In addition to providing the best sexual mobility aids on the market, we are your #1 source for disability and intimacy resources, disability blog posts, and more.

Contact us to learn how we can support you and your partner, or call 619-810-0010 to speak to a representative directly.