Affiliations: [a]
Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| [b] Department of PMR University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| [c] Department of PMR Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| [d] Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| [e]
Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| [f]
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, CA, USA
| [g] Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Marca Alexander, 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. Tel.: +1 205 933 8101; E-mail: spinalcordmd@live.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) causes neurological impairment with resultant neurogenic sexual dysfunction which can compound preexisting psychological and medical sexual concerns. Understanding these concerns is important in managing the lifelong needs of persons with SCIs. OBJECTIVES:To provide an overview of the impact of SCI on sexuality along with a framework for treatment of sexual concerns. To briefly review male infertility and its treatments and pregnancy in females after SCI. METHODS:Interdisciplinary literature review and synthesis of information. RESULTS:The average age at SCI is increased, thus persons with SCIs may have preexisting sexual concerns. Sexual activity and satisfaction are decreased after SCI. Psychogenic sexual arousal is related to remaining sensation in the T11-L2 dermatomes. Orgasm occurs in approximately 50% of persons with SCIs with all injuries except subjects with complete lower motor neuron (LMN) injuries affecting the lowest sacral segments A structured approach to treatment including assessing preinjury function, determining the impact of injury, education, assessing and treating iatrogenic sexual dysfunction and treatment of concomitant problems is recommended. Basic and advanced methods to improve sexual arousal and orgasm are discussed and treatment of anejaculation and issues associated with pregnancy and SCI are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS:Sexual satisfaction is impaired after SCI; however, education and new therapies can improve responsiveness. Future research is warranted to improve sexual function and fertility potential in persons with SCIs.
