Sexual functioning of women with complete spinal cord injury: Nursing implications

The Human Sexual Response Cycle and the neurological alteration in physiological sexual functioning of women following complete spinal cord injury is discussed. Nursing implications regarding current theoretical knowledge, its foundation in research and practical considerations for patient education is reviewed. Specific suggestions are also provided for the sexual concerns of birth control, lubrication issues, elimination problems, loss of motor and sensory control and changes in orgasmic function.