ASSESSMENT OF SEXUAL FUNCTION IN SPINAL CORD INJURED PERSONS

Abstract

Sexual activity and satisfaction has been reported to decrease among persons with SCI compared with controls. Persons with SCI report concerns about satisfying their sexual partner, feel sexually unattractive, and experience sufcient personal satisfaction, with concerns about their partners' needs. The persistence of concerns about partner and personal sexual satisfaction after SCI is, by itself, a compelling call to the rehabilitation community to nd and make more readily accessible, effective interventions to improve sexuality after SCI. Here we consider the impact of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) on sexual functions. 42 SCI patients (39males and 3 Females), attending a tertiary care hospital were included in the study after ethical committee approval. Detailed medical history was taken, physical examination done and necessary lab investigation obtained. They were evaluated for their sexual attitudes and functions, from their responses to a questionnaire given to them. In the study population all consider sexuality is important in life, 93.23% persons are interested in sexual life. 69% of patients point out that there is decrease in desire after injury and 78.57% say current sexual life is bad compared to pre injury which is consistent with other researches and that explains the need for sexual education and interventions in SCI. The present study suggests that there is strong need for the treatment of the medical complications of SCI, sexual counseling, literature, information and peer support in our country. A positive attitude of the treating doctor makes the patient to disclose their problems; an open discussion about their concerns and doubts makes them positive towards sexuality. Patients with SCI yearn to continue with sexual functions despite physical disability. Physical and psychosocial issues are not isolated and require healthcare professionals from other allied specialties for a more comprehensive rehabilitation of SCI patients.