What is a sexual health assessment like?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewers: Lesley Houle , Rachel Nicoletti | Published: 12 June 2018 | Updated: ~

A sexual health assessment is typically done with a health provider such as a nurse, physician, or other health provider specializing in the care of people with SCI. Depending on your location and the services available to you, this may take place at a doctor’s office, rehabilitation centre, or specialized sexual health service.

A review of your health and medical history, including information about your SCI, functional abilities (such as hand function) and other health conditions (including spasticity, mental health, and bladder and bowel changes), as well as your medications and other current medical treatments. Your health providers will also ask you about your current and previous sexual history and current sexual abilities and concerns.

A physical exam may be used for accurate diagnosis of your sexual condition.¹⁴

Although most often not required, a sexual physical exam may include:

• Testing for movement control and muscle tone in the genitals and anus (such as the ability to squeeze the anus or control the pelvic floor muscles)
• Testing for sensation in the pelvic region
• Testing reflexes in the genital region, which may involve squeezing parts of the genitals and observing the reactions