Course Description:

Sex and sexuality are important aspects of life and an important activity of daily living giving many people satisfaction.   Many of our patients and their partners report decreased sexual activity and overall decrease in sexual satisfaction after onset of neurologic dysfunction (ex: SCI, TBI and CVA) with many abstaining from sexual activity due to fear of further injury, decreased adjustment, or lack of education.  For clinicians, many of us do not directly address sex and sexuality due to our own personal discomfort with the topic, decreased ability to separate our own personal beliefs and values, and a lack of basic knowledge.  However, research shows that clinicians play a crucial role in educating patients so that they can return to these important roles and participation. 

Learning Objectives:

1.     The learner will be able to identify their own biases in discussing sex and sexuality with their patients with neurologic dysfunction.

2.     The learner will be able to identify factors that put patients at risk for decreased sexual function after neurologic dysfunction.

3.     The learner will be able to identify common issues and concerns with sex and sexuality that impact patients with neurologic dysfunction in order to facilitate dialogue with their patients and their support systems. 

Speaker Biography:

Dr. Lauren Leporini completed her neurological residency at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation and obtained her ABPTS board certification as a Clinical Specialist in Neurology. She is a lead physical therapist at Sutter Rehabilitation Institute (SRI) and a core member of the Spinal Cord Injury Program where she addresses sex and sexuality issues with her patients. Lauren has led staff trainings at SRI and participated in a community education symposium to improve clinician comfort with discussing sex and sexuality with patients. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Azusa Pacific University in Applied Health with a minor in Psychology. She went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. She has been an adjunct clinical faculty at the University of Southern California, Azusa Pacific University, and University of the Pacific as well as a clinical educator. When she’s not at work, Lauren can be found enjoying her two children (Annabelle and Teddy), practicing yoga, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Course Schedule:

7:00-7:05 pm: Introduction

7:05-8:05 pm: Addressing Sexual Health and Intimacy: Who, What, and How?

8:05-8:50 pm: Rehabilitation Considerations for Sex and Sexuality in Patients with Neurologic Dysfunction (ex: SCI, TBI and CVA)

8:50-9:00 pm: Questions