1. Background and Rationale
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a devastating neurological condition with multidimensional consequences. While motor and sensory deficits are well-characterized, sexual dysfunction remains understudied despite its profound impact on quality of life. Current literature exhibits three critical gaps: (1) Limited longitudinal data on the temporal evolution of sexual dysfunction post-SCI, (2) Inadequate differentiation between psychogenic vs. neurogenic mechanisms in male patients, and (3) Heterogeneous outcome measures hindering cross-study comparisons。 This investigation builds upon pilot findings from our institution's SCI registry, where a large proportion of male participants reported clinically significant sexual impairment within 24 months post-injury. By employing standardized neuro-urological assessments alongside validated psychometric tools, this study aims to dissect the complex interplay between neurological lesion characteristics, endocrine profiles, and psychosocial adaptation processes.
2. Study Objectives
Primary Objective To quantify the prevalence and severity trajectories of sexual dysfunction in males with SCI post-injury.
Secondary Objectives To correlate lesion level with specific sexual function domains To identify predictors of sexual health recovery using multivariate regression modeling To establish normative data for the sexual function in SCI populations
3. Methodology
3.1 Study Design
Prospective observational cohort with three nested substudies:
Substudy A: Longitudinal biomechanical assessments Substudy B: Endocrine profiling Substudy C: Qualitative interviews exploring coping mechanisms
3.2 Participant Selection
Inclusion Criteria:
Males aged 18-60 years SCI confirmed by raiological methods or clinical symptoms Willing to participate in long-term follow-up
Exclusion Criteria:
Pre-existing sexual dysfunction History of prior surgical procedures Active psychiatric comorbidities 3.3 Data Collection Timeline Timepoint Assessments Baseline Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome 3-month Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome 12-month Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome 24-month Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome 36-month Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome 48-month Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome 60-month Neurological function, sexual function, raiological outcome