SEXUALITY IN SCI

SUMMARY

1. Following SCI there are changes in body image, mood, decreased or absent sensations, decreased lubrication, erectile dysfunction, decreased clitoral engorgement, changes in ejaculation, changes in orgasm, changes in sperm quality/quantity.

2. This depends on the level of injury, complete/incomplete injuries, pelvic & urethral trauma.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:
3. Sexual history: partner/frequency of sexual activity, how often they are having sex, erectile dysfunction, erection sustained or not, ascertain reflexogenic or psychogenic erection, useful penetration, volume of ejaculate, what they have tried and was there any success.

4. Associated problems: UTIs, epididymo-orchitis, AD, hypotension.

5. Medication history: e.g. alpha-agonists.

Reference(s)

Lever, S. and Leong, G., 2017. Sexuality following spinal cord injury. Sydney: NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation.
Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.