Sexual functioning in women with spinal cord injury.

The literature on women with spinal cord injury deals primarily with the factors of hormonal function, fertility and delivery. Unfortunately, information is limited concerning issues which are relevant to the total sexual functioning of these women. Little is known about potential hazards of contraceptives, the incidence of gynecological problems, the reactivity of vagina and external genitalia during sexual excitement, the nature of orgasmic experience, factors leading to orgasm and responsivity of nongenital erogenous zones. Sociocultural restrictions on vomen's sexual responsivity and willingness to discuss such issues are considered along with areas for future research, The authors emphasize the need to consider the totality of sexual functioning in future research and the need for women professionals to join research teams on this topic.