Spinal cord injury and women's sexual life: case–control study

Spinal Cord, 2017 · DOI: 10.1038/sc.2016.106 · Published: March 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Women's Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the sexual quality of life and sexual function of women. Researchers compared 31 women with SCI to 31 women without SCI, assessing their sexual quality of life using the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire and sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The study found that women with SCI reported a lower quality of sexual life and worse sexual function in most areas, except for sexual satisfaction, compared to women without SCI.

Study Duration

August 2014 to February 2015

Participants

62 women: 31 with SCI and 31 without SCI

Evidence Level

Level 3: Case-control study

Key Findings

1
Women with SCI reported significantly lower scores on the SQOL-F total and its domains (sexual repression, self-worth, sexual and relationship satisfaction, and psycho-sexual feelings) compared to the control group.
2
FSFI total and subscale scores, except for satisfaction, were significantly lower in the SCI group compared to the controls.
3
Spinal cord injury, participant's education and occupation were variables affecting the quality of sexual life.

Research Summary

This study examined the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) on women's sexual function and quality of sexual life by comparing 31 women with SCI to 31 controls. The study found that women with SCI reported a significantly lower quality of sexual life and sexual function (except for satisfaction) compared to controls. The authors conclude that sexual rehabilitation should be provided for women with SCI soon after injury to improve their quality of sexual life.

Practical Implications

Sexual Rehabilitation Programs

Implement sexual rehabilitation programs for women with SCI soon after injury to address sexual dysfunction and improve their quality of sexual life.

Education and Counseling

Provide sexuality education and counseling to women with SCI and their partners to help them adjust their sexual behaviors and expectations after injury.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Integrate sexuality education and counseling with other health-related care services for women with SCI, involving rehabilitation team members and sexual health professionals.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size, potentially not fully representative of the Iranian population with SCI.
2
Data collection method (telephone interview) may have decreased the accuracy of the data.
3
Information bias, especially recall bias, is a study limitation.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury