Back to the Library
Glossary of Adaptive Intimacy Terms
Clear, plain-language definitions of the terms you will encounter across our guides and the wider world of adaptive intimacy, rehabilitation, and sexual health. This glossary is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your healthcare provider.
A
- Adaptive Intimacy
- Adaptive intimacy is the practice of adjusting how you approach closeness, touch, and sexual activity so it stays comfortable and pleasurable when your body changes due to illness, injury, disability, aging, or medical treatment. It focuses on finding what works for your body now rather than returning to how things were before.View term
- Anorgasmia
- Anorgasmia is persistent difficulty reaching orgasm despite adequate stimulation and arousal. It can be related to medications, health conditions, nerve changes, or psychological factors, and is worth discussing with a healthcare provider.View term
- Arousal
- Arousal is the body's physical and emotional response to sexual stimulation, which can include increased blood flow to the genitals, lubrication, and heightened sensitivity. Arousal and desire are related but distinct, and either can be affected by health changes.View term
- Arousal Serum
- An arousal serum is a topical product applied to the genitals to support sensation and blood flow, often producing a warming or tingling effect. It is different from a personal lubricant: a serum is intended to enhance sensation, while a lubricant is intended to reduce friction.View term
- Assistive Device
- In the context of intimacy, an assistive device is any product that helps a person take part in sexual activity more comfortably or independently, such as extended-reach aids, grips, straps, or mounts that accommodate limited mobility or strength.View term
- Autonomic Dysreflexia
- Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially serious rise in blood pressure that can occur in people with a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level, triggered by stimulation below the level of injury, including sexual activity. Warning signs can include a pounding headache, flushing, and sweating. Anyone at risk should discuss prevention and management with their healthcare provider.View term
B
- Body Mapping
- Body mapping is the practice of exploring your own body to learn where and how touch feels good, especially after sensation has changed. It helps people and their partners discover new sources of pleasure beyond areas that may no longer respond as before.View term
D
- Dyspareunia
- Dyspareunia is the medical term for persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs before, during, or after intercourse. It has many possible causes, including dryness, hormonal changes, pelvic floor tension, or medical conditions, and is worth discussing with a healthcare provider.View term
H
- Hands-Free Vibrator
- A hands-free vibrator is a vibrating product designed to stay in place or be worn without needing to be held, making it accessible for people with limited hand strength, dexterity, reach, or endurance.View term
K
- Kegel Exercises
- Kegel exercises are repeated contractions and relaxations of the pelvic floor muscles done to build strength and control. They are sometimes supported by pelvic floor trainers, and are most effective when done with correct technique, ideally guided by a healthcare provider or pelvic floor therapist.View term
L
M
- Menopause
- Menopause is the point when menstrual periods have stopped for twelve consecutive months, marking the end of reproductive years. The hormonal changes around this transition can affect libido, arousal, and vaginal comfort, all of which can be supported through adaptive approaches and appropriate products.View term
N
- Neuropathy
- Neuropathy is damage to peripheral nerves that can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or reduced sensation, often in the hands, feet, or genital area. Because it can change how touch is experienced, it may call for adjusting the type or intensity of stimulation.View term
P
- Pelvic Floor
- The pelvic floor is the group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs and helps control continence and sexual function. When these muscles are too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated, they can contribute to discomfort or changes in sexual response.View term
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Pelvic floor therapy is specialized physical therapy that assesses and treats the pelvic floor muscles. A trained therapist may use guided exercises, manual techniques, and education to address pain, tightness, weakness, or coordination problems that affect comfort and intimacy.View term
- Personal Lubricant
- A personal lubricant is a product used to reduce friction and increase comfort during sexual activity. Common types include water-based lubricants, which are versatile and condom- and product-safe, and silicone-based lubricants, which last longer and suit water but should not be used with silicone products.View term
- PLISSIT Model
- The PLISSIT model is a framework clinicians use to talk about sexual health at increasing levels of support: Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy. It helps providers meet people where they are when discussing intimacy.View term
- Positioning Aids
- Positioning aids are wedges, pillows, and supportive furniture designed to hold the body at comfortable angles during intimacy. Unlike ordinary pillows, they keep their shape under pressure to reduce strain on joints, muscles, and healing areas.View term
S
- Sensate Focus
- Sensate focus is a structured set of touch-based exercises used in sex therapy in which partners take turns giving and receiving touch while setting aside pressure to perform. It is used to rebuild comfort, communication, and connection.View term
- Sexual Rehabilitation
- Sexual rehabilitation is the process of restoring or adapting sexual function and intimacy after a health change, often as part of broader recovery. It may involve education, communication, physical adaptations, and support from healthcare providers such as physical, occupational, or pelvic floor therapists.View term
- Silicone-Based Lubricant
- A silicone-based lubricant is a long-lasting personal lubricant that does not absorb into the skin quickly and works well in water. It is condom-safe but should not be used with silicone products, as it can degrade their surface over time.View term
- Spasticity
- Spasticity is involuntary muscle tightness or spasms caused by certain neurological conditions or injuries. It can affect positioning and comfort during intimacy, and timing, positioning, and provider guidance can help manage it.View term
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that changes how signals travel between the brain and the body below the injury. It can affect movement, sensation, and sexual function in ways that vary by the level and completeness of the injury, and many people adapt intimacy successfully with information and support.View term
V
- Vaginal Atrophy (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
- Vaginal atrophy, now often called genitourinary syndrome of menopause, is thinning, drying, and reduced elasticity of vaginal tissue that commonly follows a drop in estrogen around menopause. It can cause dryness, irritation, and discomfort during intimacy, and there are several management options to discuss with a provider.View term
- Vaginismus
- Vaginismus is the involuntary tightening of the muscles around the vaginal opening in response to attempted penetration, which can make intercourse painful or impossible. It is treatable, often with pelvic floor therapy and gradual, guided approaches.View term
- Vasocongestion
- Vasocongestion is the increased blood flow and resulting swelling in genital tissues that occurs during sexual arousal. It contributes to erection, clitoral and vulvar engorgement, and natural lubrication.View term
W
- Water-Based Lubricant
- A water-based lubricant is a personal lubricant whose main ingredient is water. It is safe to use with condoms and silicone products and rinses off easily, though it may need reapplying because it can absorb or evaporate during use.View term
Keep Exploring
Put these terms in context with our cited guides on intimacy after illness, injury, and life transitions.
Read the Guides