Sexual problems of women with spinal cord injury in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that affects many facets of the injured people's lives. One aspect is sexual functioning. The purpose of this study is to identify the sexual problems of women with SCI and determine their level of knowledge about sexuality.

METHODS

Twenty-six women with SCI for longer than 6 months were evaluated. Demographic information, sexual experiences were surveyed. Patients were also asked if and how they received sexual health consultation after SCI. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory were evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study, average age of the women with SCI was 32.96±8.23 years (22-50 years). Eight patients had regular sexual intercourse while one married woman did not have any sexual relationship after SCI. Twenty-four of the patients in the study received no information about pregnancy or sexual health after SCI. All women were willing to receive information about sexuality after SCI. These patients expected the doctors to start the conversation about sexuality rather than asking about it. FSFI survey revealed that all the patients had sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Sexual rehabilitation should thus be fully addressed in all spinal units and rehabilitation centers, along with other aspects of rehabilitation.