Sexual Health in Men With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries: A Review and Recommendations for Primary Health-Care Providers

American Journal of Men’s Health, 2018 · DOI: 10.1177/1557988318790883 · Published: November 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

Following a spinal cord injury, men often experience sexual health challenges that are not adequately addressed by healthcare providers. This review summarizes research on the sexual health of men with spinal cord injuries and offers strategies for primary care providers. Primary care providers can play a crucial role in supporting the long-term sexual health and rehabilitation goals of men with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

2007-2017

Participants

Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria.

Evidence Level

Scoping review

Key Findings

1
Physiological changes, psychological factors, and social factors influence men's sexual function after spinal cord injury.
2
Sexual health recovery is an ongoing priority for men with spinal cord injuries.
3
Lack of sexual rehabilitation services and societal stigmas impede treatment.

Research Summary

Sexual health is a salient priority for men following traumatic spinal cord injury, yet it is under-addressed by health-care providers. A scoping review identified patterns of sexual health concerns, the ongoing priority of sexual health recovery, clinical barriers, and recommended interventions. Primary health-care providers are well positioned to address ongoing sexual health issues with this population.

Practical Implications

Address Sexual Health Proactively

Primary health-care providers should initiate conversations about sexual health with men who have experienced traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Utilize the P-LI-SS-IT Model

Clinicians can use this framework to approach patients' sexual concerns and decide when to refer them to specialists.

Increase Awareness and Knowledge

Primary health-care providers should become more informed about spinal cord injury-specific sexual dysfunction and available resources.

Study Limitations

1
Recommendations derived from a scoping review are not definitive.
2
Potential for gaps or issues related to men’s sexual health beyond what is shared in the current scope.
3
The review focused specifically on men with traumatic spinal cord injuries.

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