Sexuality and amputation: a systematic literature review.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically examine the state of research on sexuality and amputees.


METHODS
A total of five publication databases were searched: Pubmed, Cinahl, Embase, Psychinfo and Recall.


RESULTS
A total of 11 eligible studies was found. The studies were characterised by a diversity of study populations, sampling methods, gender and age distributions, assessment methods, and outcomes measures. The use of the terminology regarding sexuality was ambiguous. All studies found an impact of the amputation of a limb on some part of sexual functioning (or concerns about) to some degree.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies on sexuality and amputees are very diverse and terminology is ambiguous. Amputation of a limb has an impact on sexual functioning. Amputees complain that there is little support from professionals. The authors recommend the use of the ICF terminology. Suggestions for future research are given.
Geertzen
Jan H B
JH
Centre for Rehabilitation, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.h.b.geertzen@rev.umcg.nl
Van Es
Corine G
CG
Dijkstra
Pieter U
PU
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality