Sexuality in patients with spinal cord injuries due to attempted suicide

To evaluate the specific characteristics of sexuality in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients resulting from attempted suicide pre- and post-SCI.

From March 1998 to March 2005, n=27 were compared with a SCI group with similar characteristics. In March 2006, all patients completed a final sexual check-up. Using our database we reviewed their sexuality path.

Suicide group (SG): Examination of personal/clinical history revealed in three how sexuality represented a possible co-factor for suicidal tendencies: one female reported a history of sexual abuse, two were homosexual (one gay and one lesbian). Five reported sexual dysfunctions. Nine females consistently showed via the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at least one sexual disorder in all follow-ups; six females were in a stable relationship pre-SCI, seven during the final check-up; eight males in the SG presented erectile dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5); and eight were in a stable relationship pre-SCI and seven during the final visit. Control group (CG): Pre-SCI only one male presented erectile dysfunction. Seven females consistently showed sexual disorders. 11 females and 11 males were in stable relationships pre-SCI, respectively, 10 and 11 at the final check-up. In women the overall sexual satisfaction is statistically significant, correlated to the duration of the relationship P<0.05. Nine patients showed erectile dysfunction in the final follow-up.

The SG showed a higher percentage of sexual dysfunction pre-SCI compared with CG, and they presented constant difficulty in establishing a stable relationship causing both an obstacle in the initial sexual rehabilitation and in achieving a satisfactory overall sexual life.