A Psychosomatic Study of Impotence : Sexual disturbances following trauma

Abstract

The influence of trauma on sexual functions was evaluated in patients with post-traumatic sexual disturbances. ( 1 ) Penile thermography was used for making an objective differential diagnosis between organic and functional impotence in patients with post-traumatic sexual disturbances. The differentiation was possible by checking the presence or absence of penile temperature elevation under visual sexual stimulations. Furthermore, this examination gave rise to good results in the treatment of patients with functional impotence as it presented the objective data. Penile thermography seems to be very useful for the diagnosis and treatment of impotence. ( 2 ) An evaluation of sexual function was made on patients with operative repair of the posterior urethral rupture following pelvic fractures. All of them had libido. Erectile potency and ejaculation were found in 80% and 70% Of the patients respectively. These results may suggest that there may be a lower incidence of sexual disturbance than it has been considered and that the erectile impotence in urethral trauma may be caused by psychosomatic factors.