Purpose: to analyze sexual problems after spinal cord injury (SCI) and their repercussions on quality of life and psychological state.

This is a cross-sectional study concerning 38 patients with SCI patients followed at a physical medicine and rehabilitation department. In addition to an interview, we used 3 indexes to measure sexual function: MSHQ and SHIM for males and FSFI for females. Other information was collected concerning the duration of the SCI, the level of disability and the repercussions on the couple's relationship, quality of life and psychological state.

Thirty-two patients (84, 21%) manage to lead a sexual relationship with variable level of satisfaction caused by several troubles. The prevalence of SD was 69, 2% for males and 83, 3% for females. The most frequent problem for males was erectile dysfunction and orgasm problems. Women experienced mainly a dyspareunia and a lowering of lubrification. The median score of MSHQ and SHIM were respectively 45±13, 86 (30–68) and 12, 76±6, 01 (7-–27). The SCI itself affected all the SF-36 items and correlations were found between the SHIM and RP, MCS and PCS. MSQ and HAD were significantly associated. We did not show significant repercussions on the couple's relationship.

SCI leads to significant changes in almost all aspects of life. Rehabilitation specialists need to understand the importance of satisfaction with sentimental and sexual life and its influence on people with SCI re-entering the community and restoring their well-being.