Documentation of the Impact of Spinal Cord Injury on Female Sexual Function: The Female Spinal Sexual Function Classification

Abstract

Significant new research has examined the impact of specific levels and degrees of spinal cord injury (SCI) on female sexual response. Research has also recently examined two methods of improving sexual responsiveness in women with SCI. The use of false-positive feedback and sildenafil were both noted as potential treatment methods that deserve further study. Concomitant with these observations, there has been a significant increase in overall interest in female sexual dysfunction. This interest has resulted in a new classification system for female sexual dysfunction, which takes into account both physiological and psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction. We propose a new classification system to predict female sexual function and dysfunction after SCI. This nomenclature, the Female Spinal Sexual Function Classification, is recommended for use as an adjunct to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury.