Sexual dysfunction and sexual concerns among persons with disability due to myelopathy: A cross-sectional study

We have very little information about sexual activity and concerns of patients with myelopathy from India. The objectives of this study were to assess the sexual dysfunction and sexual concerns among patients with myelopathy due to spinal cord lesion (SCL).

This study was a single-center, cross-sectional, and hospital-based study among male and female patients in the age-group 18-50 years, with disability due to myelopathy due to SCL. The data were collected using a self-designed, pretested, and semi-structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview.

Eighty participants were recruited in the study, of which 62 (77.5%) were men. The mean standard deviation (SD) age of the participants was 33.7 (8.6) years, and mean (SD) age at time of illness was 31.4 (8.6) years with median duration of 17 months. Among 62 males, psychogenic erection was impaired in 77.2%, reflex erection was impaired in 78.9%, and ejaculation was affected in 70.7%. Orgasm was absent or reduced in 66.1% males. Among 18 female participants, psychogenic genital arousal was reduced in 66.5%, reflex genital arousal was impaired in 55.5%, and orgasm was absent in 38.8% subjects. Sexual desire in these patients was unchanged in 41 (51.2%) and decreased or absent in 39 (48.8%). Sexual activity involvement was there in 46 (57.5%) and 34 (42.5%) had not involved in any kind of sexual activity after injury/illness. The main reasons of non-involvement in sexual activity were bladder and bowel accidents, spasticity, and difficulty in positioning.

Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation should address sexual function of affected individual to allow them highest level of function and quality of life.