Sexual Function in Female Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: To determine the perception of sexuality, sexual function disorders and the effects of quality of life of sexual problems in female patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in a Turkish population. Material and Methods: This study group was between the ages of 18-58 years; female SCI patients, sexually active before the spinal cord injury, were included. The control group consisted of healthy women. Neurological levels T10 and above, T11-L2, conus, and cauda were classified in three sub-groups. SCI and healthy women were evaluated with the TAF Rehabilitation Center Sexual Rehabilitation Evaluation Form in Women with SCI, Female Sexual Function Index, and Satisfaction With Life Scale. Results: Fifty SCI and 50 healthy women were included into the study; 46 patients before the injury and 40 patients after the injury had sexual intercourse experience, respectively. The decrease in sexual arousal and sexual intercourse was statistically significant (p=0.000) in the after-injury group than before the injury. Sexual interest and importance given to sexuality were significantly lower before the injury than in the control group (p<0.05). After SCI, based on the need to share intimacy, sexual activity ratio was 84%. In patients with a sense of the genitals, level of arousal was greater than those without (p=0.002). Lack of orgasm and sexual desire after the injury was the major problem experienced in sexual intercourse and was significantly increased after the SCI (p<0.05). Conslusion: In this study, we found that female SCI patients have a significant deterioration in sexual function, and it also impairs quality of life.