Electrophysiological assessment of sexual dysfunction in spinal cord injured patients.
METHODS
Survey.


OBJECTIVE
To determine associations between sexual dysfunctions and electrophysiological examinations of the genital system in spinal cord injured patients.


METHODS
Ege University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.


METHODS
In total, 25 patients (17 men, eight women) who were out of the spinal shock period were examined. Neurological levels were determined according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. Data about erection, ejaculation and vaginal lubrication were obtained via inquiry forms. Bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR), pudendal somatosensorial evoked potentials (pSEP) and perineal sympathetic skin responses (pSSR) were recorded by an electromyographer unaware of the sexual state or neurological level of the patient.


RESULTS
BCRs could be obtained from all patients with lesion levels above the sacral centre. A significant association was found between reflex erection and BCR positivity, while psychogenic erection was shown to have a significant association with the preservation of pSSR in men. Despite the lack of statistical significance due to the small sample size of the women examined, a similar association with lubrication was observed. Ejaculation and orgasm were not shown to be significantly associated with any electrophysiological examination. However, ejaculation was preserved in all men with a lesion level below T12 and with positive pSSR. There was no significant relationship between pSEP and sexual functions. The relationship between the existence of sacral sensation and pSEP positivity was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has proved that BCR and pSSR have an important role in the estimation of the remaining sexual function in spinal cord injured patients. STATEMENT ON ETHICS: We certify that all applicable institutional and governmental regulations concerning the ethical use of human volunteers were followed during the course of this research.
Tas
I
I
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey.
Yagiz On
A
A
Altay
B
B
Ozdedeli
K
K
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*