The Changes of Male Sexual Dysfunction after Stroke: Correlations of Brain Lesions and Sexual Function / 대한남성과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify the effects of the locations of brain lesion on sexual function in stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted on 109 male stroke patients(mean age 64.93+/-8.81 yr.) diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography at least 6 months before study(mean duration of disease 24.4+/-16.7 mo.). A normal age-matched control group included 109 men(mean age 64.7+/-8.9 yr.). Each subject completed the 5-item Version of the International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-5) to measure the changes of sexual desire, ejaculation function, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Statistically lower sexual function was found in the stroke patient group(IIEF-5; 5.9+/-7.0) compared with the normal control group(IIEF-5; 10.7+/-7.1)(p<0.01). In cases where brain lesions were seen in the right frontal lobe and the right pons after stroke, erectile function was significantly reduced. In cases of brain lesion in the right cerebellum, ejaculation disorder was frequently reported. In cases where the brain lesion was located in the right thalamus and the left basal ganglia, significantly lower sexual desire was found. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function is significantly lower in stroke patients. Injury to the right frontal lobe and right pons is linked to reduce sexual function; lesions to the right cerebellum are associated with ejaculation disorder; and lesions located in the right thalamus and the left basal ganglia are significantly associated with reduced desire.