Sexual function in adult spina bifida patients

• Published in: Journal of pediatric urology Vol. 3; p. S25
• Main Author: Jenny LASSMANN, Francisco GARIBAY GONZALEZ, Jeanne B. MELCHIONNI , Patrick S. PASQUARIELLO and Howard M. SNYDER III
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2007
• Subjects: Pediatrics; Urology
• ISSN: 1477-5131; 1873-4898
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2007.01.026

PURPOSE To evaluate the sexual function (SF) in adult spina bifida patients and its impact on quality of life (QOL). MATERIAL AND METHODS Between March 2005 and May 2006, 76 adult patients with spina bifida (34 women, 42 men), mean age 24.4 years (range 18-37), were seen in our institution. Following IRB approval, data were collected from medical records and validated questionnaires (Watts sexual function questionnaire [WSFQ] to assess SF and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form [SF36] to assess QOL) were completed. RESULTS 18 of 76 patients (24%, 9 women, 9 men) have had sexual intercourse at least once within the last two months. There was no difference regarding age and gender distribution in sexually active (SA) versus not sexually active (NSA) patients (25.8±4.2 vs. 24±4.5 years, p = 0.13). All levels (thoracic [T] to sacral [S]) of myelomeningoceles (MMC) were seen in both groups with a significant tendency to more caudal levels of neurological impairment in SA patients (T: 22%, S: 22%) compared to the NSA group (T: 42%, S: 3%; p<0.05). No difference was seen in relation to ambulatory status and urinary incontinence. Overall, the total WSFQ scores in SA patients were similar in men and women. In evaluation of SF36 for QOL, there was no difference in physical (42.4±11.9 vs. 38.7±7.2; p=0.11) and mental health (54.1±11.3 vs. 58.6±10.7; p=0.12) subscores comparing SA and NSA group. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort, 24% of adult spina bifida patients are sexually active. Sexual activity is not related to gender, urinary incontinence or physical disability, but is more likely in patients with more caudal levels of neurological impairment. No difference in WSFQ scores in SA patients is observed between men and women. Sexual function seems not to affect health related QOL in these patients.