The management of neurogenic bladder and sexual dysfunction after spinal cord injury.
METHODS
Review article.


OBJECTIVE
To review the medical literature and comprehensively discuss the management of bladder and sexual dysfunction after spinal cord injury.


BACKGROUND
The physiologic alterations that accompany spinal cord injury can lead to significant bladder and sexual dysfunction. Fertility in men is also diminished. Without appropriate intervention, the above conditions can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
Structured review of published reports obtained through a MED-LINE search and texts.


CONCLUSIONS
With appropriate surveillance and management, morbidity and mortality from neurogenic bladder dysfunction can be successfully prevented. Current treatment interventions also facilitate the restoration of sexual function and fertility after spinal cord injury.
Burns
A S
AS
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street, 375 Main Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. anthony.burns@mail.tju.edu
Rivas
D A
DA
Ditunno
J F
JF
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*