Erectile function and sexual health in men with spinal cord injury: A cross sectional study

Introduction and objective The main consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) in men are erectile dysfunction and anejaculation. The mean age of people with SCI is 35 years in Colombia, and 76% of those affected are men. Approximately 80% of men with SCI preserve their ability to have an erection. Materials and methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted on 35 men with SCI, who attended Urology Clinics in different Colombian cities. They were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire developed to assess erectile function, sexual health, and sexual preferences. The aetiology of the injuries were diverse and the level of injury in the spinal cord was from C5 up to L5. Results As regards sexual health, it was found that 63% of SCI men were sexually active 12 months after the injury, and self-reported their sexual life as satisfactory. The main problems interfering with their sexuality were, in order of importance, spasticity, the lack of erection rigidity, and the loss of sensory and motor functions Erectile function and sexual desire remain preserved in 88% and 77% of the individuals, respectively, but as regards ejaculatory function, only 37% of the SCI men were able to ejaculate. Sexual preferences and sexual activities remained the same after the injury. Conclusion The majority of SCI individuals are sexually active and have a satisfactory sexual performance, although only a few patients have been given fertility and sexuality counselling. Sexual function must be part of the rehabilitation process of SCI patients, as it is known that continuation of sexual activity after injury is very important, and has a great impact on quality of life. These patients should be assessed and counselled by a multidisciplinary team and the erectile function, ejaculation function, and alternative sexual activities should be included in the rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed on the sexual health and quality of life of men with SCI, in order to offer them and their sexual partners a better approach in our clinics.