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  4. Sexual Functioning in Men Living with a Spinal Cord Injury–A Narrative Literature Review

Sexual Functioning in Men Living with a Spinal Cord Injury–A Narrative Literature Review

Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 2015 · DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.164886 · Published: September 1, 2015

Spinal Cord InjuryUrologyPalliative Care

Simple Explanation

This review examines existing research on how spinal cord injuries affect sexual function in Indian men. It looks at the challenges they face, including social stigma, physical barriers, and lack of access to education and counseling. The review found that much of the research focuses on the physical aspects of sexual dysfunction, like erectile dysfunction and incontinence. There is less research on the emotional and social impact of these issues on men's lives. The authors suggest that future research should focus on the personal experiences of men with spinal cord injuries to better understand their needs and improve treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Study Duration
2000–2012, Medline 1989–2012, and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) 1989–2012
Participants
Not specified
Evidence Level
Narrative Literature Review

Key Findings

  • 1
    Sexual stigmatization and a lack of public education regarding the sexual needs of people with spinal cord injuries contribute to negative self-perception and reduced motivation to find a partner.
  • 2
    Psychological factors, such as adherence to traditional masculine norms and emotional control, can exacerbate physical issues related to sexual dysfunction after spinal cord injury.
  • 3
    While clinical interventions for erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction exist, there is a lack of emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of these issues and the need for sexual counseling and psychological support.

Research Summary

This narrative literature review examined the impact of spinal cord injury on sexual functioning in men, with a focus on the Indian male population. The review identified six key areas: sexual stigmatization, physiological barriers, clinical aspects, biomedical approaches, partner satisfaction, and accessibility to sexual education. The review found that much of the existing research focuses on quantitative measurements of physiological functions, such as ejaculatory dysfunction and incontinence, while neglecting the subjective experiences and emotional impact on individuals. The authors concluded that further research is needed to address the subjective accounts of patients themselves, focusing on the emotional and social impact of sexual disability, to improve treatment, rehabilitation, and education programs.

Practical Implications

Need for Holistic Approach

Healthcare providers should adopt a holistic approach to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of sexual dysfunction in men with spinal cord injuries.

Improved Counseling Services

Increased access to sexual education and counseling services is needed to address the emotional and social impact of spinal cord injury on men's sexual health and relationships.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on qualitative studies to capture the subjective experiences and perspectives of men with spinal cord injuries regarding their sexual functioning.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The review was limited to articles in the English language, potentially excluding relevant research published in other languages.
  • 2
    The review identified a small number of studies specifically from India, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to the Indian male population.
  • 3
    Not specified

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