Some adults who have SMA, have partners who are also their PAs. Others separate out the PA and partner roles completely.

A lot of couples settle for a mix of both. Some tasks or some times of the day may be set aside with their partner.

There are as many arrangements as there are couples.

It’s not always easy to get the balance right and can often need a lot of talking through. It can be especially difficult if you now need more support and help with day-to-day tasks than you expected when you first met.

However strong a relationship,  some people sometimes find it helpful to get some ‘outside’ support.

Relate > – Phone: 0300 100 1234 – help people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to strengthen their relationships. They can also support people not currently in a relationship. They provide face-to-face, phone and online relationship counselling services. Fees are charged to cover the cost of the counselling session, not to make a profit. Some offer subsidised counselling sessions.

Enjoying Your Sexual Relationship

Your SMA may make it more challenging to find positions which are comfortable. You may need to experiment with this and with different ways to enjoy a sexual relationship.

Disability Horizons  –  Disabled Dating, Relationships, and Sex >

Enhance the UK > – a user-led charity that offers disability awareness training as well as advice and information on sex and disability >

Scope – Talking about Intimacy, Disability & Relationships with a new partner >

Sex with a Difference > – provides sex information for disabled people, carers and professionals

Spokz > – has been recommended to SMA UK for sex aids

The Mix > – online guide to life for 16-25-year olds providing non-judgemental support and information on everything from sex, exam stress, debt and drugs.

Please see: Family Planning for Couples Affected by 5Q SMA >

If you’re struggling with your emotional well-being, for whatever reason, this page may provide you with some useful suggestions for getting support:

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