ABSTRACT

The effects of stroke on sex are mediated by influences at levels ranging from the peripheral autonomic nervous system to the most complex nuances of emotion. A sexual dysfunction may be due to a disturbance of biochemistry, or of conscious desire, or of a reflex arc, and these may not be easy to differentiate. Stroke can affect desirability, as well as desire, and disfigurement caused by stroke is sometimes a factor reducing sexual activity (Gia-quinto et al., 2003).