Acute pelvic fractures that need surgery often lead to sexual dysfunction, according to British researchers from the University of Leeds.
The team presented their findings at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, held in February in San Francisco.
In their study, the researchers examined data on 67 patients (43 men and 24 women) who had had surgery for pelvic fracture between January 2008 and January 2009. None of the participants had ever sought medical attention for sexual problems before their injury.
The patients were aged 19 to 65 at the time of their injuries. Their mean age was 44. They had been injured at least 12 months before enrolling in the study. Patients who already had co-morbidities for sexual dysfunction did not participate. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 30 months.
Twice, the participants were asked to complete questionnaires. The first time, they answered questions about their sexual function before their injury. In the second round, they gave information on their post-injury functioning.
According to Renal and Urology News, approximately 72% of the participants reported a decrease in sexual function since their injury.
Of his group, about 47% had sexual function that was “below the accepted threshold of dysfunction.” For women, this threshold was defined as a score of 25.5 or less on the Female Sexual Function Index. For men, the threshold was a score of 30 or less on the International Index of Erectile Function.
About 24% patients said they had milder decreases in function.
One possible limitation of the study is the small sample size.
The authors concluded that all men and women, no matter what age, who have pelvic fractures requiring surgery “are at risk of a significant decrease of their quality-of-life and sexual function.”
In acute pelvic injuries, the organs in the urogenital system (bladder, urethra, prostate, uterus, and vagina) are vulnerable because of their location.
Many of these injuries occur in car or motorcycle accidents. Young adults (who are more likely to be sexually active) are most commonly affected, Dr. Peter V. Giannoudis told Renal and Urology News.
Dr. Giannoudis is Professor and Chairman of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Department at the University of Leeds and one of the study authors.
Resources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons via http://www.AbstractsOnline.com
Harvey-Kelley, Katherine F., et al.
“Presentation Abstract – Quality of Life and Sexual Function Following Traumatic Pelvic Fracture”
(February 8, 2012)
http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?mID=2841&sKey=6409ca24-df41-4eb3-b044-f512f5089e5c&cKey=5711bdd6-0c92-4665-b02c-3d75f6424b9d&mKey=BA8AA154-A9B9-41F9-91A7-F4A4CB050945
Renal and Urology News
Stein, Jill
“Severe Pelvic Fracture Impairs Sexual Function”
(March 9, 2012)
http://www.renalandurologynews.com/severe-pelvic-fracture-impairs-sexual-function/article/231435/