Sexuality in people assigned female at birth with spinal cord injury: the challenges encountered.

This article focuses on the sexual experience and functioning of people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with spinal cord injury (SCI), based on an international observational study using the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6). Among 557 participants aged 18–50, over half (55.5%) exhibited sexual dysfunction (SD) as measured by FSFI-6 scores, with the highest dysfunction observed in those with complete injuries (ASIA A on the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale) and within 10 years post-injury. Physical factors such as pain, spasticity, and bowel/bladder issues, alongside psychosocial factors including anxiety, depression, and experiences of partner violence, were identified as significant barriers to sexual satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of integrating comprehensive sexual health education and support into rehabilitation programs for AFAB individuals with SCI to address both physiological and psychological aspects of sexual function.