Sexual activity and function of adult men with spina bifida. 2023

Konrad M Szymanski, and Joshua D Roth, and Devon J Hensel, and John S Wiener, and Nina Younsi, and Raimund Stein, and Benjamin Whittam, and Martin Kaefer, and Richard C Rink, and Mark P Cain, and Rosalia Misseri
Division of Pediatric Urology, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA. Electronic address: szymanko@iupui.edu.

Data on sexual function of men with spina bifida (SB) is limited. We aimed to assess sexual activity and erectile dysfunction (ED) in a large international sample of men with SB. Men with SB (≥18yo) were recruited in an international online survey via clinics and social media. We collected data on demographics, ambulation (Hoffer classification), penile rigidity (Erection Hardness Score), sexual activity and ED (International Index of Erectile Function). Non-parametric tests were used. A total of 162 men (median age 35, 62% shunted, 38% community ambulators) reported sexual desire similar to the general population (p = 0.82), but 55% were dissatisfied with their sex life (Summary Table). Overall, 36% reported full penile rigidity with erections, more commonly with better ambulation (p = 0.01), 69% had ever experienced orgasm and 84% ejaculated. In 44 men (27%) attempting sexual intercourse in the last 4 weeks, 59% had ED (11% severe, 7% moderate, 14% mild-moderate, 27% mild). In this group, 91% of men reporting less than full penile rigidity had ED, compared to 30% with full penile rigidity (p = 0.001). Overall, partnered non-genital contact in the last 3 months was reported by 56%, solo masturbation: 62%, partnered intercourse: 48% (31% vaginal). Of 54 men who used phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I), 80% reported improved erections, 56% improved intercourse. Overall, 40% reported non-genital erogenous zones as most pleasurable, especially with poorer ambulation (p = 0.002, chest/nipples: 73%). Strengths of this study include anonymous, voluntary, online participation maximizing participation of a heterogenous, international population. Whenever available, we compared findings to published values for the general population. Since romantic and sexual activity is a complex intersection of interest, opportunity and ability, a more comprehensive assessment was beyond the study's scope. Future work will focus on the interplay with issues like incontinence. ED was frequent among men with SB, especially in men with poorer ambulation. PDE5 inhibitors may be beneficial. Partnered sexual activity was reported by half of the men, although it may not involve penetrative intercourse.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007172 Erectile Dysfunction The inability in the male to have a PENILE ERECTION due to psychological or organ dysfunction. Impotence,Male Impotence,Male Sexual Impotence,Dysfunction, Erectile,Impotence, Male,Impotence, Male Sexual,Sexual Impotence, Male
D008297 Male Males
D009948 Orgasm The climax of sexual excitement in either humans or animals. Sexual Gratification,Sexual Satisfaction,Gratification, Sexual,Orgasms,Satisfaction, Sexual,Sexual Gratifications,Sexual Satisfactions
D010410 Penile Erection The state of the PENIS when the erectile tissue becomes filled or swollen (tumid) with BLOOD and causes the penis to become rigid and elevated. It is a complex process involving CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS; HORMONES; SMOOTH MUSCLES; and vascular functions. Tumescence, Penile,Nocturnal Penile Tumescence,Penile Tumescence,Erection, Penile,Penile Tumescence, Nocturnal,Tumescence, Nocturnal Penile
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D012725 Sexual Behavior Sexual activities of humans. Anal Sex,Oral Sex,Sexual Activity,Sexual Orientation,Premarital Sex Behavior,Sex Behavior,Sex Orientation,Sexual Activities,Activities, Sexual,Activity, Sexual,Behavior, Premarital Sex,Behavior, Sex,Behavior, Sexual,Orientation, Sexual,Sex, Anal,Sex, Oral
D016135 Spinal Dysraphism Congenital defects of closure of one or more vertebral arches, which may be associated with malformations of the spinal cord, nerve roots, congenital fibrous bands, lipomas, and congenital cysts. These malformations range from mild (e.g., SPINA BIFIDA OCCULTA) to severe, including rachischisis where there is complete failure of neural tube and spinal cord fusion, resulting in exposure of the spinal cord at the surface. Spinal dysraphism includes all forms of spina bifida. The open form is called SPINA BIFIDA CYSTICA and the closed form is SPINA BIFIDA OCCULTA. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1992, Ch55, p34) Rachischisis,Spina Bifida,Status Dysraphicus,Cleft Spine,Open Spine,Schistorrhachis,Spinal Dysraphia,Bifida, Spina,Cleft Spines,Dysraphia, Spinal,Dysraphicus, Status,Dysraphism, Spinal,Dysraphisms, Spinal,Open Spines,Rachischises,Spina Bifidas,Spinal Dysraphias,Spinal Dysraphisms,Spine, Cleft,Spine, Open

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