She explained that there are no official protocols or recommendations for sexual rehabilitation at the government level, nor is there any mention of it. “This is important because doctors are expected to follow set protocols,” Revunets stated. “Since sexual rehabilitation is not specifically outlined anywhere, doctors can only take the initiative if they choose to do so. However, many doctors are hesitant to broach the subject.” Convincing some doctors of the importance of sexual rehabilitation can be a challenge, according to Revunets. “When I discuss the significance of sexual rehabilitation with my colleagues, they often view me as someone who doesn’t understand the severity of the patient’s injuries,” she remarked.
Revunets, one of the few sexologists in the country who works with the military, emphasized the various ways a good sexologist can assist. “I assess the patient’s specific issues and emotions, and based on that, I provide guidance. This guidance can range from technical advice on what to do or take, to psychological support.”
The ongoing war has led to a surge in individuals with injuries, a situation for which Ukraine was unprepared. The absence of information on sexual rehabilitation prompted the Ukrainian nonprofit organization Veteran Hub, focused on aiding war veterans and their families, to delve into the subject. In 2023, researchers from Veteran Hub conducted 39 detailed interviews with injured soldiers and their partners, who shared their experiences with sex post-injury anonymously.
The interviews revealed that many individuals had experienced changes in their sexual lives. For instance, some respondents had to plan or prepare for sexual encounters due to physical alterations post-injury. One veteran in a committed relationship expressed frustration, stating, “I was advised to have sex, but no one explained how. The technical aspect is crucial.” He highlighted that due to the lack of available resources, information was being disseminated informally.
In response to these findings, Veteran Hub developed a guide to help veterans restore their sexual lives post-injury. “We noticed a high demand for this information. After physical rehabilitation, people begin to question whether they can engage in various activities, including swimming, skiing, going on dates, or having sex. Typically, they struggle to find answers to these questions,” noted Kateryna Skorohod, project manager at Veteran Hub.
Acknowledging the scarcity of sexologists in Ukraine, Olga Serdyuk, CEO of the Olena Pinchuk Foundation, which operates an educational program on sexuality at the Recovery rehabilitation centers, emphasized the importance of medical professionals being prepared for patients to discuss sexual rehabilitation. Recovery introduced a course called “Sexual Life” to educate doctors and professionals working with Ukrainian soldiers.
Serdyuk highlighted that a serious injury impacts not only the veteran but also their partner. She remarked, “There is a societal belief in Ukraine that a good wife should independently care for her husband, even when external support is available. Consequently, the woman takes on the role of a caregiver, making discussions about sex challenging.”
Serdyuk discussed how the demands of full-time caregiving can impact a couple’s ability to explore avenues to sexual satisfaction. “Even in cases of severe dysfunction or missing body parts due to injury, pleasure can still be experienced through orgasm,” he stated. “It is important to engage with your fantasies and understand your own body.” Serdyuk emphasized the need for individuals to embrace themselves in a new light, believing in their integrity and physical selves.
In Ukraine, discussions surrounding disabilities have been gaining prominence as casualties continue to rise. The reality dating show “The Bachelor” featured 26-year-old Ukrainian veteran Oleksandr Budko, who lost both his legs in the war, as the star of its latest season. An episode showcasing an intimate moment with Budko became one of the season’s most popular, drawing in approximately 2.8 million viewers nationwide.
Show producer Anna Kalyna noted the significance of having a double amputee as the show’s lead, highlighting the audience’s interest in understanding the realities of living with disabilities during times of conflict. Budko, in his Instagram post, emphasized that his disability does not diminish his worthiness of love and a fulfilling life. He described his first post-injury sexual experience as a reconnection with life.
Individuals like Oleksandr Batalov, a war veteran and amputee, have sought support in courses like Recovery’s “Sexual Life” program to navigate intimacy and acceptance after suffering life-altering injuries. Batalov, aiming to share his experiences and knowledge, emphasizes the importance of having specialists to guide individuals through such challenges. Ultimately, his goal is to inspire others to embrace life despite their injuries and seek support to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
As an osteopath, Tsymbaliuk, an injured combat medic, made a commitment to embrace a fulfilling life against all odds. Despite challenges, her determination remained unwavering. Encouraged by her persistent boyfriend, who never lost faith, she found herself saying “yes” to his proposal once again.
Following extensive rehabilitation in Germany and later at Ukraine’s renowned Superhumans Center, Tsymbaliuk and her partner exchanged vows, acknowledging the profound love that bound them together. Their union bore fruit just four months ago with the arrival of their first child, a testament to their enduring love and resilience.
Refusing to conceal her prosthetic limb, Tsymbaliuk boldly declared, “I’m not hiding my prosthetic. I’m living a full life. And I’m happy.” Her unwavering positivity and strength in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many.
CNN correspondent Victoria Butenko contributed to this report.
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