For spinal cord injured women: 94% had no problems with impaired vaginal lubrication; 22% had given birth after the injury; and 69% reported being satisfied with their sexual life. The women who were satisfied with their sexual life were younger than those who were not, and were younger at the time of injury. For spinal cord injured men: 75% could achieve erection, and they were younger than those who could not achieve erection; 35% used aid(s) for erection; 78-94% had positive reported effect of penile vibration, drugs and intracavernous injection for erection; 44% could achieve ejaculation, and they were younger than those who could not; 56% used aid(s) for ejaculation; 19% had made a woman pregnant, and a higher frequency of these men could achieve erection and ejaculation; 54% reported being satisfied with their sexual life; and significantly more men who had made a woman pregnant were satisfied with their sexual life. For both genders problems regarding bladder and bowel management, pressure ulcers, spasticity or pain correlated with lower satisfaction with sexual life.

Results: Fifty-one percent of subjects regarded their sexual life as a failure or dysfunctional. However, 45% reported being satisfied with their sexual life. Participants with partners were more satisfied with their sexual life than those without partners. Faecal, but not urinary, incontinence was associated with poorer sexual function and less satisfaction. Fortynine percent of subjects indicated that the sexual education they received at puberty was useful; however, 32% lacked knowledge about their sexual functioning with regard to their disability. Conclusion: There is a need for further sexual education and counselling for adults with spina bifida in order to improve their sexuality and quality of life.