MP27-06 SEXUAL FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINA BIFIDA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Evaluation I (MP27)1 Sep 2021MP27-06 SEXUAL FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINA BIFIDA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Taylor L. Hughes, Kirsten Simmons, Rohit Tejwani, Kevin T. Hobbs, Karen Barton, John S. Wiener, J. Todd Purves, and Jonathan C. Routh Taylor L. HughesTaylor L. Hughes More articles by this author , Kirsten SimmonsKirsten Simmons More articles by this author , Rohit TejwaniRohit Tejwani More articles by this author , Kevin T. HobbsKevin T. Hobbs More articles by this author , Karen BartonKaren Barton More articles by this author , John S. WienerJohn S. Wiener More articles by this author , J. Todd PurvesJ. Todd Purves More articles by this author , and Jonathan C. RouthJonathan C. Routh More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002024.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Survival to adulthood is now expected among most individuals with spina bifida (SB); consequently, issues involving transition to adult life are increasingly important, including sexual function and dysfunction. Gaps in knowledge surrounding sexual function in this population impede SB-specific sexual health counseling and treatment. Our objective was to review the literature for self-reported experiences of sexual function and dysfunction in individuals with SB. METHODS: Published studies, sourced from Medline, Embase, and Web of Science, included self-reported data from SB patients on one or more sexual function domains: genital sensitivity, orgasm, erectile function, ejaculation, lubrication, and/or dyspareunia. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42020189811), an international prospective register of systematic reviews. Two authors independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and cross-checked results, with disagreements resolved by a third independent reviewer. RESULTS: Systematic search yielded 23 studies representing 1,441 patients (816 males, 625 females). Validated questionnaires in the SB population were lacking. Eight studies utilized questionnaires validated in non-SB adults; the remainder used semi-structured interviews and non-validated instruments. Eleven assessed dysfunction in both sexes, ten in males, and two in females. Most studies were >10 years old, and quantitative meta-analysis was impractical due to study heterogeneity. Erectile function and orgasm were the most commonly assessed outcomes in males and females, respectively. 7-91% (median 31%) of males experienced erectile dysfunction; 0-71% (median 35.5%) reported abnormal ejaculatory function. A considerable number of females (28-63%) and males (5-77%) experienced abnormal or impaired orgasms. 23-33% of males and 14-84% of females experienced impaired genital sensation. Higher SB lesion levels and hydrocephalus were associated with increased sexual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The limited literature on sexual dysfunction in adults with SB noted significant male erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction and impaired orgasms and genital sensitivity in both sexes. SB-specific instruments assessing sexual dysfunction are lacking and would improve multidisciplinary care for this population. Ideal instruments would assess the needs of both men and women with SB, be applicable and accessible to patients of varying ages and abilities, and account for differing degrees of SB-related dysfunction of sexual and multiple other organ systems. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e473-e474 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Taylor L. Hughes More articles by this author Kirsten Simmons More articles by this author Rohit Tejwani More articles by this author Kevin T. Hobbs More articles by this author Karen Barton More articles by this author John S. Wiener More articles by this author J. Todd Purves More articles by this author Jonathan C. Routh More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...