Introduction
Among the consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI), there is the deficit in sexual function, which interferes in the quality of life of the individual.
Objectives
To know and to describe the profile of the sexuality of men with SCI, comparing before and after injury periods.
Materials and methods
Cross-sectional study with 36 men with SCI. Data were collected through a questionnaire (QSH-LM) and a screenplay. Quantitative variables were presented as mean and standard deviation. Categorical variables were presented by absolute and relative frequencies and associations were performed using the chi-square. All tests presented 5% significance.
Results
There was prevalence of paraplegic patients and complete lesions. The sexual practice, often, desire and satisfaction declined after SCI, as well as sexual responses, among these are erection, ejaculation and orgasm which declined materially after SCI. The most reported feeling during sex was the increasing cardiorespiratory response, before or after SCI, and more individuals began not to feel any sensation during sexual activity after SCI. There was a significant association between type of injury and the presence of orgasm and between sexual satisfaction and sexual practice after SCI.
Conclusion
It was observed that sexual response after SCI changes in ascending order: erection, orgasm and ejaculation. It is noticed that the rehabilitation is often focused on motor skills and sexuality is rarely discussed.
Spinal cord injuries; Sexuality; Physical therapy
