Answer:
by Russell Shuttleworth: (05/13/2004)
I understand that it may sometimes be difficult for you to accomplish masturbation by yourself. This is in fact not an uncommon complaint for men with severe cp. However, there are no clear answers to your question. In our society, this kind of sexual activity is only sanctioned when either one's self, one's lover or a sexual surrogate does the masturbating. (Sex workers also do this but remember that this is still illegal in states except Nevada.) Yet there are some within the disabled community who have successfully negotiated with his or her PA to assist them with various aspects of sexual expression. This is however a tricky area with potential problems as well. As an alternative to asking for direct hands-on assistant, you may want to consider incorporating the use of a vibrator or other sex toy to aid in masturbation. Then you would only have to ask your assistant to help you set-up so you can do it yourself. Also if you know any other men with CP who have a similar level of severity, consider asking them for some suggestions on different techniques that you could try. Among men in my study the experience and knowledge of peers is very important. Also, you might want to consider being referred to a sex therapist (or sexual surrogate) who would likely, among other things, help you work on your sexual self-esteem. If you have further thoughts or inquiries let me know,
Russell Shuttleworth
Reviewed by: Kathleen VanKirk DHS
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