J Korean Med Assoc.  2020 Oct;63(10):612-622. 10.5124/jkma.2020.63.10.612.

Sexual dysfunction and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury

• Lee BS
• Kim O

• KMID: 2508746
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2020.63.10.612

Abstract

In the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries, sexual rehabilitation is a pertinent issue that should not be ignored. Although they may not openly discuss sexual issues with their doctor at first, patients consider these issues to be very important. Therefore, doctors should ask their patients about their sexual problems in order to provide them with consultation and treatment. For males with spinal cord injuries, erectile dysfunction is the most significant problem. Patients are looking for a doctor who can help them to solve their problem of erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective methods that can help with erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injuries. Oral medications, such as sildenafil, are very effective. However, if medications prove ineffective, intracavernosal injections may be considered. Couples with spinal cord injury are, of course, still capable of sexual intercourse. A couple in which the patient is a male may use the woman-on-top position. If the aim is conception, women with spinal cord injuries should be informed that their fertility is likely unaffected. Doctors may recommend that males with spinal cord injuries be treated in a fertility clinic. Hospitals with full-time sexual rehabilitation personnel and sexual rehabilitation programs can be of great help to patients with spinal cord injuries. The scope of such sexual rehabilitation should include not only medical help but also strategies for restoring sexual life, eliminating conflicts, and ensuring the happiness of couples.

Keyword

Spinal cord injury; Erectile dysfunction; Sexual dysfunction; Rehabilitation; 척수손상; 발기부전; 성기능장애; 재활