Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Spinal Cord Injury Using the Male Sexual Quotient

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess different aspects of sexual function in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) using the Male Sexual Quotient (MSQ), a newly developed tool to assess sexual function and satisfaction. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingTertiary rehabilitation center. ParticipantsPatients (N=295) older than 18 years (mean age ± SD, 40.7±14.5y) with SCI for more than 1 year (median time since SCI, 3.6y; range, 1.6–7.0y) were assessed from February to August 2012. Patients completed the MSQ questionnaire and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresPerformance in various domains of sexual function was evaluated using the MSQ and SHIM questionnaires. ResultsErectile function, ejaculation, and orgasm were the most severely affected domains. The median MSQ score was 40 (range, 8–66), and the median SHIM score was 5 (range, 0–16). The diagnostic properties of the 2 instruments were similar in the discrimination of sexually active subjects. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was .950 (95% confidence interval [CI], .923–.979) for the MSQ and .942 (95% CI, .915–.968) for the SHIM. There was a strong correlation between the 2 instruments (r=.826; 95% CI, .802–.878). ConclusionsDifferent domains of sexual function are severely impaired in men with SCI, although their sexual interest remains high. The MSQ and SHIM scores strongly correlate, but the MSQ provides a more comprehensive assessment of sexual dysfunction in male patients with SCI.