Sexuality and reproductive issues in children with myelomeningocele

Recent advancements in surgical and medical therapies have improved the life expectancy of children with myelomeningocele. Yet, there has been a contrasting lack of improvement with regards to sexual function and reproductive issues that continue to infantilize this population. This article identifies five major risk factors that contribute to these delays which invariably lead to irreversible emotional trauma if they are not addressed early in childhood. Adequate psychosexual education of myelomeningocele patients and their families is a tremendous societal challenge. But, only with education will there be trends away from policies of isolation to those that reinforce community integration of the physically disabled.