Women’s Sex Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Sex Med, 2017 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2017.07.003 · Published: January 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Women's Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect the sex lives of women. It compares the sexual function of women with SCI to that of women without SCI, focusing on desire, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. The researchers used a questionnaire to assess sexual function in women with and without SCI. They looked for differences in sexual desire, lubrication, the ability to reach orgasm, and overall satisfaction. The study found that women with SCI experienced significant changes in their sex lives, including decreased sexual desire, impaired lubrication, and difficulties reaching orgasm. They also identified factors like lower sensitivity and incontinence as negative influences on sexual activity.

Study Duration

June until December 2015

Participants

30 women with SCI, 30 women without SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Women with SCI experienced a significant decrease in sexual desire, lubrication, and ability to reach orgasm after injury.
2
Compared to the control group, women with SCI showed a significant difference in preferred erotogenous zones and ability to reach orgasm.
3
Incontinence had a significant negative impact on the sexual lives of women with SCI.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine changes in the sexual lives of women after spinal cord injury (SCI). It retrospectively compared sexual function in 30 women with SCI with that in 30 without SCI who led an active sexual life. Results showed a significant difference in women with SCI in sexual desire, lubrication, and reaching orgasm before and after injury. A comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in the realization of coital sexual activity and in the ability to reach orgasm. The study concluded that intercourse was the preferred sexual activity in women with SCI, but compared with the period before injury, there was significant lowering of sexual desire, impaired lubrication, and orgasmic ability after SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Sexual Rehabilitation

Sexual rehabilitation should be fully addressed in all spinal units and rehabilitation centers.

Increased Education and Counseling

Sexual information and counseling should be available during initial rehabilitation and after the women have returned to their homes.

Address Urinary Incontinence

Future research needs to explore the effects of urinary incontinence on various aspects of sexuality to improve sexual satisfaction and quality of life for women with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample of women with SCI.
2
Retrospective assessment of sexuality before SCI might have been distorted by the passage of time.
3
Absence of impairment of American Spinal Cord Injury score

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury