The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of traumatic brain
injury (TBI) on sexual ability, activity and satisfaction and to rela
te the findings to neurological status, functioning and well-being. A
total of 92 TBI persons (65 men, 27 women) participated. Their ages ra
nged from 20-70 years (median 40 years); the median age at injury was
32 years, ranging from 16-56 years. The elapsed time since injury rang
ed from 1-20 years (median 9 years). The participants were examined ac
cording to a procedure including neurological examination, self-assess
ment of general health status and functioning and mooed, and collectio
n of data on social conditions. A structured study-specific questionna
ire was developed to assess various aspects of sexuality before and af
ter the injury. Fifty-three of the participants had a stable partner r
elationship at the time of the investigation. This study showed that a
TBI commonly alters sexual functioning as well as desire. Many of the
respondents reported decreased ability to achieve an erection, decrea
sed ability to experience orgasm, decreased sexual desire and diminish
ed frequency of intercourse. A high degree of physical independence an
d maintained sexual ability were the most important predictors for sex
ual adjustment. Considering that many TBI persons in this study report
ed physiological sexual disturbances and decreased sexual ability, it
is important to inform. patients about possibilities of optimizing the
ir sexual ability. Organized programmes of sexuality education should
be an integral component of TBI rehabilitation.