Author/Editor		Podnar, S; Oblak, C; Vodušek, DB
Title		Sexual function in men with cauda equina lesions: a clinical and electromyographic study
Type		članek
Source		J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
Vol. and No.		Letnik 73, št. 6
Publication year		2002
Volume		str. 715-20
Language		eng
Abstract		Objective: To investigate the effects of cauda equina lesions on sexual function in men. Methods: Sexual function was investigated in 46 men with long standing cauda equina/conus medullaris lesions. All had clinical and radiological findings supporting the diagnosis. The validated Slovene translation of the international index of erectile function (IIEFJ was used. The responses were scored and sexual dysfunction categorised as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. The number of patients receiving help for sexual dysfunction was noted. Neurological examination of the trunk and lower limbs, electromyographic (EMG) evaluation of the sacral reflex, and quantitative EMG of the external anal sphincter muscles were done. Results: Severe sexual dysfunction was reported by 35% of patients, moderate dysfunction by 24%, and slight dysfunction by 26%; normal sexual function was reported by 15%. Orgasmic function was siightly more impaired than erectile function, and sexual desire slightly less. The patients' age, but no findings on clinical neurological or EMG examination, correlated with sexual function. Only five men had received medical attention for sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: There is significant sexual impairment in men with lesions of the cauda equina or conus medullaris. This is poorly correlated with neurological and EMG findings and has received insufficient medical attention.
Descriptors		CAUDA EQUINA IMPOTENCE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY POLYRADICULITIS AGE FACTORS REFLEX, ABNORMAL ANUS NEUROLOGIC EXAMINATION PENILE ERECTION PENIS