Sexual function in ICU survivors more than 3 years after major trauma

To study sexual function in trauma patients 3-8 years after discharge from an ICU and to assess determinants of poor sex life.

A postal questionnaire survey was conducted in 2006 on a cohort of 325 consecutive adult ICU trauma patients admitted to a university hospital during 1998-2003.

Of 210 eligible patients 156 (74%) answered the questionnaires. Mean age was 46 years, and 124 were males.

Sexual function was assessed by a self-report measure, and patients were asked to describe sexual life both currently and prior to trauma. The International Index of Erectile Function evaluated erectile function in males. At follow-up 50% reported sexual function to be unchanged, 41% impaired, and 9% to be better than preinjury status; 34% reported that the trauma impaired current sex life. Erectile dysfunction was found in 27% of men younger than 40 years and 51% of men 40 years or older. Age, being single, Injury Severity Score, and depression were associated with poor sexual function. Of 17 patients experiencing breakdown of a regular relationship 71% reported the trauma to be a significant contributor.

At follow-up more than 3 years after injury one-third of our ICU trauma patients reported that the trauma impaired sexual function. Erectile dysfunction was significantly more frequent among men younger than 40 years than found in studies of the normal population. Evaluation of sexual function should be part of long-term outcome assessment after major trauma.