Sexual Rehabilitation for Men with Spinal Cord Injury: Preliminary Report on a Behavioral Strategy

Training of the perineal muscles was attempted in our centers on the basis of our previous findings indicating that when the appropriate source of stimulation is used, subjects exhibit peaks of activity suggesting a rehabilitation potential. Muscular training was considered because pressure stimulation of the glans penis triggers contractions of perineal muscles which propel the blood throughout the penis to ensure optimal tumescence. The technique was combined with biofeedback and home exercises and was tested on 10 patients initially presenting erectile difficulty but maintaining perineal innervation. The results showed significant improvements in average and maximal tumescence and maintenance of these improvements. The results are discussed in terms of their clinical application to a cognitive-behavioral approach to sexual dysfunction in spinal cord-injured men.