Central nervous system based neurogenic female sexual dysfunction: current status and future trends

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sexual Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Growing information exists on central nervous system (CNS) disorders affecting female sexual function.
• This review focuses on recent data concerning brain and spinal cord disorders in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the most recent information on CNS disorders and their impact on female sexual function.
• To discuss evidence regarding the sympathetic nervous system's role in psychogenic sexual arousal in women with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
• To explore treatment protocols and future possibilities for neurogenic sexual dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Review of published research on female sexual function in the context of CNS disorders.
• Analysis of evidence from women with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

Main Results:

• Evidence from women with SCIs supports the role of the sympathetic nervous system in psychogenic sexual arousal.
• Approximately 50% of women with SCIs retain the ability to achieve orgasm.
• Complete disruption of the sacral reflex arc is associated with a relative inability to achieve orgasm.

Conclusions:

• The impact of CNS disorders, particularly SCIs, on female sexual function is significant and influenced by neuroanatomy.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for patient education and developing effective treatment protocols for neurogenic sexual dysfunction.
• Further research into improving sexual responsiveness and treatments for neurogenic sexual dysfunction is warranted.