How Does Complete Spinal Cord Injury Affect Sexual Functioning in Women?
Women with complete spinal cord injury may have alterations in their sexual desire, ability to lubricate and/or have comfortable intercourse, or in their ability to reach or feel orgasm. Changes to genital sensation or urinary or bowel incontinence will also affect the sexual response. The ability to move ones legs apart may be altered by spasm or pain. Orgasm may be difficult or impossible to reach, or can be unaffected. Fortunately, women with neurological changes not affecting their hormonal status are usually fertile. Generally, they can carry a child safely to term and may be able to deliver a child naturally depending on the medical status and physical limitations to do with the abdomen, spine or pelvis. Like men, overall sexual functioning, risk of bladder and bowel incontinence, mobility issues, general health, medication, relationships and their view of themselves will affect a woman’s sexual interest. The following aspects of sexual functioning are likely to be affected when
