Sexual function in male patients after stroke—A follow-up study

Abstract

A primary explorative survey was conducted regarding changes in sexual performance in 15 post-stroke patients admitted to our Center for rehabilitation. Average age was 49 years (range 31–64 years). Patients and partners were interviewed twice: as close as possible to admission and between 6–12 months after discharge. At interview they were questioned about desire, erection, orgasm (satisfaction) and overall sexual performance. Serum levels of sexual hormones were examined at the same time. The answers of patients and partners matched almost perfectly. Changes in sexual functioning were recorded in most of the patients but there was no characteristic pattern of sexual dysfunction. The dysfunction was as prominent at follow-up as early in the course. Sexual dysfunction was mainly associated with lesions in the non-dominant hemisphere, the basal ganglia, the internal capsule and the temporoparietal area and with hypertension, heart diseases and the use of beta-blockers. Hormone abnormalities of varying types were observed. All of the patients and their partners stressed the importance of sexual satisfaction and the need of special attention to the problem, help and counselling.