Sexual Dysfunction and Disability

The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of sexual function and dysfunction, with an emphasis on the sexual challenges faced by people with disabilities. Normal sexual response and behavior is discussed along with definitions of various categories of sexual dysfunction in men and women. The sexual dysfunctions commonly seen in patients seen in a physiatry practice are reviewed. Conditions discussed include spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, chronic pain, rheumatologic disease, amputation, diabetes, cardiac disease, and depression. Treatments for sexual dysfunctions are discussed in depth.