Sexual Function after Spinal Cord Injury: Innervation, Assessment, and Treatment

Sexual function is a high priority quality of life issue among the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. Over 12,000 new cases are reported in the USA annually, with males being twice as likely to incur a SCI compared to females. SCI males may suffer from erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction and infertility, while SCI females may suffer from dysfunctions of sexual arousal and orgasm. Assessment of sexual dysfunction in SCI individuals relies on questionnaires and reflex circuitries, highlighting the need for better quantitative assessment and outcome measures. Treatments for SCI males include pharmacotherapy, physical aids, and surgical interventions; however, treatments for SCI females is severely lacking. Advancements in assessments and treatments in both animal models and humans will pave the way for greater sexual dysfunction intervention in SCI individuals.