From the Research
Several factors increase the risk of sexual dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with severity of TBI, depression, anxiety, and fatigue being significant contributors, as reported in the most recent study 1. Individuals with TBI who experience impairments in attention, memory, executive functioning, and information processing often have difficulty with sexual functioning.
- Gender also plays a role, with men typically reporting erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation while women more commonly experience decreased arousal and difficulty achieving orgasm.
- ADL (Activities of Daily Living) status is another important factor, as decreased independence in daily activities correlates with increased sexual dysfunction.
- Interestingly, patients at higher Rancho Los Amigos Scale levels (indicating better cognitive functioning) may actually report more sexual dysfunction because they have greater awareness of changes in their sexual functioning compared to pre-injury. Additional factors that increase risk include depression, medication side effects (particularly antihypertensives, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants), hormonal imbalances, and relationship changes following injury, as supported by studies 2, 3, 4, 5. Healthcare providers should proactively address sexual health during TBI rehabilitation, as patients often hesitate to raise these concerns themselves despite their significant impact on quality of life and relationships. The most recent and highest quality study 1 highlights the importance of considering these factors in the management of patients with TBI to improve their overall quality of life.