Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference 2026

How stroke survivors and partners use Reddit communities to understand and navigate sexual wellbeing across the recovery trajectory (#137)

Joanne Hilder 1 2 , Kelly Dungey 3 , Jasmine Nicholson 2 , Daniel Brown 4 , george W turner 5 , Jessica Davis 3 , Taryn Walker 6 , Emily Greenup 7
  1. Allied Health, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  2. Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  3. Rehabilitation , Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  4. La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  5. Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  6. Rehabilitation , Griffith University , Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  7. Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, QUEENSLAND, Australia

Background/Aim

Sexual wellbeing is a crucial aspect of wellbeing, yet is often overlooked in the rehabilitation process (McLaughlin & Cregan, 2005). Reddit is an online social media platform regularly used by people seeking emotional support, information, and connection with others who share similar experiences (Yin, J. Y., et al 2025). We aimed to explore how stroke survivors and their partners use Reddit communities to understand and navigate changes in sexual wellbeing.

 

Methods

We used a qualitative design with ethics and Reddit moderator approval. We searched the subreddit R/Stroke for posts containing the word ‘sex’. Posts were included if the initial post was written by a stroke survivor or the partner of a stroke survivor. 

Data was analysed using thematic content analysis.

 

Results

Twenty-seven posts and 479 replies met the criteria. Initial posts typically explained an experience and asked for advice, peer support, and reassurance. 

Five themes were identified, 1) emotional and relational impacts on stroke 2) navigating changes in desire and functioning, 3) uncertainty and fear on returning to sex, 4) seeking peer assurance and validation, and 5) practical advice and adaptations for intimacy. Discussions covered medication impacts, sexual functioning changes, new relationship dynamics, mental health impacts, medical ambiguity, and seeking peer assurance. 

 

Conclusion

The findings show common concerns, including relational, functional, and emotional experiences and questions. Findings highlight both the importance of peer-to-peer networks for support and shared experiences, as well as importance that healthcare professionals in the rehabilitation process are equipped to answer such questions. 

  1. McLaughlin, J., & Cregan, A. (2005). Sexuality in stroke care: A neglected quality of life issue in stroke rehabilitation? A pilot study. Sexuality and Disability, 23(4), 213–226.
  2. Yin, J. Y., Wong, N., & Reddy, M. (2025). Understanding User Experience of Support-Seeking on Reddit During Stressful Times. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 9(7), 1–25.