Male sexual disorders following stroke: an overview

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability throughout the world. Although physical and cognitive impairments after stroke have been well studied, little information is known about one of the crucial aspect of the quality of life of stroke patients, namely, sexual functioning and satisfaction. Poststroke sexual dysfunctions seem to be very common since in men affected by stroke, a decline in libido and poor or tailed erection and ejaculation are frequently observed. Sexual disorders after stroke are thought to be due to multiple etiologies, including both organic (i.e., lesion localization, premorbid medical conditions, and medications) and psychosocial (i.e., fear of recurrences, loss of self-esteem, role changes, anxiety, and depression). Thus, exploration in sexual dysfunctions and sexual counseling by trained professionals should be a part of stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this review is to evaluate the burden of stroke on sexual function taking into account the complex interaction between neurological, psychological, and relational factors.