Erectile Dysfunction in Individuals with Neurologic Disability: A Hospital-based, Cross-sectional Study

Conclusion: The occurence of erectile dysfunction is significantly more prevalent among neurologically disabled men, particularly those with lesions below S2–S4, than among men without neurologic disability. Considering the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among neurologically disabled men, sexual functioning should be regularly evaluated during acute and long-term rehabilitation, and any existing sexual dysfunction should be addressed in the treatment plan. Introduction Penile erection is a neurovascular event characterized by the dilation of arteries that cause the corpora cavernosa and corpora spongiosum of the penis to fill with blood; simultaneously, the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles compress the veins of the corpora cavernosa, which prevents the blood from exiting. Erectile function requires the participation of autonomic and somatic nerves (i.e., sacral parasympathetic [pelvic], thoracolumbar sympathetic [hypogastric and lumbar chain], and somatic [pudendal] nerves), with the hypothalamic and limbic pathways playing significant roles. Several medical conditions, beyond aging per se, are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).[1,2] Neurologic ED can be broadly defined as an inability to sustain or maintain a penile erection, owing to central and/or peripheral neurologic impairment. Neurologic disorders can change the processing of sexual stimuli to preclude arousal, to decrease or increase desire, or to curtail genital engorgement, since the interr...
Source: Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Current Issue Medical Issues Neurologic Systems and Symptoms Neurology Neuromuscular Disease Original Research Neurogenic SD; Erectile Dysfunction; sexual health; Quality of life Source Type: research