Sexual Dysfunction Following Traumatic Hand Injury

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and nature of sexual dysfunction present in a population with traumatic hand injuries. One hundred twenty patients were seen for psychological evaluation during the first two months postinjury. Forty-nine percent (59) reported sexual dysfunction during the initial two months. Six months postinjury 19% (23) continued to have sexual dysfunction. At that time a more extensive sexual history was obtained. Three categories of sexual dysfunction were identified following interviews: (1) impotence (35% or 8 patients), (2) reduced sexual desire (65% or 15), and (3) rejection of sexual contact by the partner (39% or 9). Four major causes of impaired sexual functioning were reported: (1) pain (22% or 5 patients), (2) deformity anxiety (52% or 12), (3) replant anxiety (9% or 2), and (4) contagious anxiety (39% or 9). The results of this study indicate that persistent sexual dysfunction may be a major difficulty following hand trauma. The type of dysfunction as well as the perceived cause of dysfunction are not the same for each case. Consideration of each is necessary to design efficacious intervention strategies.