Spinal cord injury impairs messages from the brain to other parts of the body. Every SCI is unique depending on the level and completeness of the injury. Accompanying other functional changes resulting from Spinal cord injury may be changes in sexual functioning. Some type of change in sexual function is experienced by roughly 80-90% of people with SCI.
While there are expected changes in sexual function based on the level of SCI, the ability to experience sexual satisfaction and orgasm after SCI has not been significantly related to level of injury. Factors associated with positive sexual adjustment include the level of sexual knowledge, openness and communication with partner, and time since injury. Time since injury is associated with a general increase in self-esteem and an increase in sexual self-esteem.
|
