Traumatic brain injury can cause changes in thinking, behaviour and body function, depending on which brain areas were affected and to what degree. Generally, the more severe the injury, the more significant the symptoms and loss of function will be.

Brain injury can change the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality.

Common problems can include reduced sex drive, difficulties with sexual functioning (such as erectile problems) and behaving sexually at inappropriate times.

Common changes in sexual behaviour after a traumatic head injury include:

• Reduced libido – about half of people with a traumatic head injury experience a drop in sex drive. The remainder experience increased libido or no change at all.
• Erectile problems – between 40 and 60 per cent of men have either temporary or permanent impotence following their injury.
• Inability to orgasm – up to 40 per cent of men and women report difficulties having an orgasm.
• Reduced frequency of sex – possible reasons for this include disability, depression, relationship break-up and sexual problems.