Answers to Common Questions About Sexuality After Traumatic Brain Injury

Will having sex be dangerous for the health of the person with a brain injury?

By following the guidelines in the section on 'When can I start having sex?', there is little health risk in starting sexual activity.

Can I still do it?

Most people will be able to start some form of sexual activity after the brain injury.

Can I still have children?

Yes. It is rare for a brain injury to cause problems in being able to get pregnant. When it does, it is usually because of changes caused by the injury to the body's hormones. It is common for a woman's period to stop after a brain injury. It usually starts again after four to six months.

If I have children, will they be born with brain damage?

No. A traumatic brain injury cannot be passed on to any future children.

Why are some people sexually disinhibited after a brain injury?

Some people with a brain injury are sexually disinhibited, always talking about sex, trying to touch other people in a sexual manner, or wanting to have sex all the time. Sexual disinhibition occurs because of damage to the part of the brain that helps to control behaviour. This usually injuries with further recovery or may need medications.

Last modified: Thursday, 20 April 2006