The importance of sexual function in men with spinal cord injuries

alternative.3 Caution is required since men with SCI typically require significantly lower doses of ICI than healthy men, and the hypotensive effects of the medications need to be considered. Other options include intra-urethral prostaglandin, vacuum erection devices and implantable penile prostheses.4 A second issue that should also be discussed with male SCI patients is libido. While research has suggested that the SCI affects sexual behavior with regards to performance and body sensitivity,5 chronic pain treated with opiods6 may also affect libido through a testosterone ablative mechanism.7 As such, following confirmation of low levels of libido on history, an analysis of a patients serum hormones including testosterone could prove insightful. Restoration of these endocrine deficiencies may then restore the desire for sexual functioning.