CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Stroke and transient ischaemic attack - Management
Sexual dysfunction
- In people who have had a stroke, sexual dysfunction is common for many reasons, including altered sensation, limited mobility, effects of drugs, and changes in mood.
- People who have had a stroke should be asked, at an appropriate moment, whether they have any concerns about their sexual functioning.
- People who request help should be:
- Assessed for treatable causes.
- Assessed for the use of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil (although recent stroke is a contraindication for sildenafil).
- Advised about ways to overcome practical problems.
- Referred to a person with expertise in managing sexual dysfunction if problems persist despite primary care management.
- For more information, see the CKS topic on Erectile dysfunction.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement