Article

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of romantic relationships and sexual
activity of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP), to investigate whether this
development is associated with demographic and physical characteristics, and to
compare the sexual activity of this group with an age-appropriate Dutch reference population.
Prospective longitudinal study with 3 biannual assessments.
SETTING: Eight rehabilitation centers and departments in the southwestern regions
of The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Young adults (N=103; 61 men, 42 women) with CP
without cognitive disabilities (age range at first assessment, 16-20 y; 82% Gross
Motor Function Classification System level I or II). INTERVENTIONS: Not
applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual interest, romantic relationships, and
sexual activity. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in dating in young
adults with CP during the 4-year period; however, the experience in romantic
relationships did not increase largely during this period. Young adults with a
lower education level began dating later than those with higher levels.
Significantly more women were in current romantic relationships than men. During
the 4 years, participants' sexual experience increased significantly for all
sexual milestones evaluated. Level of gross motor function was associated
significantly with intercourse experience. Compared with an age-appropriate Dutch
reference population, young adults with CP participated at a lower level in
romantic relationships and sexual activities, but had equal sexual interest at
the final assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Young ambulatory adults with CP had similar
sexual interests and had increasing experiences with romantic relationships and
sexual activities during the transition from late adolescence to young adulthood.
However, the percentage of young adults with CP in current romantic relationships
was low, especially for men.

Langue : ANGLAIS