Sexual function of men with spinal cord injury in Hualien

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the sexual function of men with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Hualien. Patients and Methods: Sixty-two subjects were recruited from among SCI patients in the community. A structured questionnaire consisting of subjects' demographic data, sexual life, sexual function, sexual concerns, and resources and needs for sexual knowledge was used to collect the data. Results: Of all subjects, 88.7% reported that they had sexual activity before being injured but only 50.0% maintained the same after injury. Overall, 87.1% of them were able to obtain an erection and 54.8% were able to gain full tumescence to intercourse after injury. However, only 19.4% were able to achieve ejaculation every time they had intercourse and only 11.3% were able to impregnate their partners. Among sexual concerns, the subjects expressed that they were most concerned about not satisfying their partners, giving partners or themselves a urinary tract infection and being unable to bring up children. Conclusions: The subjects reported significantly lower sexual function after injury. Treatment and nursing care must address the concern of urinary tract problems and sexual dissatisfaction for SCI patients. With appropriate measures, they will have a higher quality of sexual life and better sexual adjustment in the future.