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Impact of spinal cord injury on sexual health and quality of life

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 16, pages 167–174 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

To provide a comprehensive insight into sexuality after spinal cord injury, 120 patients received a questionnaire to assess their sexual activities, abilities, desires, satisfaction and sexual adjustment after injury. In the 63 responding patients, spinal cord injury had a major impact on sexual function. Relationship to partner, social life, bladder management and physical well-being had a significant impact on quality of life. Relationship to partner, ability to move and mental well-being, as well as aspects of sexual desire and body image had a significant correlation to satisfaction with sexual life. In the studied population, there was no significant correlation between preserved sexual abilities after spinal cord injury and the satisfaction with sexual life.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Mr Huub van Hedel for statistical assistance. This study was supported by the International Foundation for Research in Paraplegia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuro-Urology, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

    A Reitz, V Tobe, P A Knapp & B Schurch

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  1. A Reitz
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  2. V Tobe
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  3. P A Knapp
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  4. B Schurch
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Correspondence to A Reitz.

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Reitz, A., Tobe, V., Knapp, P. et al. Impact of spinal cord injury on sexual health and quality of life. Int J Impot Res 16, 167–174 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901193

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901193

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