Aims and objectives: To describe the impact of patients' lower limb amputations on their partners' sexual functioning and well-being. Background: Annually, about major lower limb amputations are performed in the Netherlands. An amputation may induce limitations in performing marital activities, including expression of sexual feelings between partners. However, up until now, little attention has been paid towards this aspect in both research and clinical practice. The lack of studies on sexual activities and lower limb amputation is even more apparent with respect to partners of patients with such an amputation.

Aim: The study examined the relationships between psychological variables and sexual functioning in persons with lower limb amputations. Results: Half of all participants with lower limb amputations were not currently sexually active. Body image self-consciousness during sexual activities was the strongest predictor of sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: Psychological challenges following limb loss are strongly associated with levels of sexual dysfunction. The study highlights the need for psychological and psychosexual assessment and intervention following limb loss to enhance sexual functioning and overall quality of life.

In this article, we explore why sex and intimacy can be challenging post-amputation and how to overcome it. One of the major hurdles to intimacy with another person is low self-esteem and a poor body image. After an amputation, this challenge becomes more significant. A study conducted in Ireland looked into the psychological well-being of 49 males and 16 females with lower limb amputations and how it affected their sex life.

Three little letters arranged in such a way to make most humans blush. Why is something so human so awkward to discuss? Hopefully, this PG-rated article can get that point across.