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Problems of sexual function after spinal cord injury
1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada. stacy.elliott@vch.ca
Progress in Brain Research
|October 4, 2005
Summary
Spinal cord injury significantly impacts sexual function and fertility by altering nervous system functions. Addressing these unmet sexual health needs is crucial for improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Reproductive Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) profoundly affects autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
- Altered sexual function and fertility are significant concerns for individuals with SCI.
- Autonomic functions like bladder/bowel control, cardiovascular, and temperature regulation impact sexuality post-SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a clinical overview of sexual and reproductive concerns in men and women after SCI.
- To explore the impact of interlinked autonomic functions on sexuality.
- To highlight the mind-body interaction and spinal feedback loops relevant to sexual function.
Main Methods:
- Clinical overview and synthesis of existing knowledge.
- Discussion of autonomic functions and their impact on sexuality.
- Review of recent research on cardiovascular parameters during sexual stimulation.
Main Results:
- SCI disrupts genital functioning and fertility.
- Autonomic dysfunctions significantly influence sexual experience post-SCI.
- Research shows discordance between objective and subjective signs of autonomic dysreflexia during sexual activity.
Conclusions:
- Human sexuality after SCI can serve as a model for understanding integrated autonomic function.
- There is a critical need to address the unmet sexual health care needs of the SCI population.
- Healthcare professionals and researchers should prioritize sexual health in SCI care and research.