Spinal cord injury and Sexual health

Authors

  • V. Giannopapas
  • S.G. Pneumaticos
  • I. Vlamis

Keywords:

Spinal cord injury, Sexual function, Sexual satisfaction, Sexual Health, Sexual dysfunction

Abstract

The estimated global incidence of spinal cord injuries is 10.5 cases per 100.000 people. Apart from the motor and sensory damage, spinal cord injuries affect the patients’ sexual function and sexual activities. Arousal, erectile function, orgasm and fertility are the main somatic factors that are affected by the spinal cord injury. In addition, spinal cord injury patients show a higher rate of body image issues as well as psychological issues (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders) which interfere with their sexual activities and lower their sexual satisfaction. Since there is no cure for spinal cord injury, therapeutic approaches related to the rehabilitation of sexual function mainly focuses on restoration of “normal” function. Pharmacological treatments and intracavernous injections for erectile dysfunction, body-exploration, assistive devices and sexual aids are some of the methods that healthcare professionals and patients can explore in order to improve sexual function and sexual satisfaction post-injury.

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Author Biographies

S.G. Pneumaticos

3rd Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital.

I. Vlamis

3rd Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital

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Published

2021-12-02