A therapeutic effect for males with spinal cord injury using abdominal functional electrical stimulation for sexual functioning

This study explores the potential of abdominal functional electrical stimulation (ABFES) to improve sexual function in men with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Two case studies showed unexpected improvements in erectile and ejaculatory function after ABFES treatment. A 74-year-old male with a C5/C6 SCI (AIS D) reported improved strength and duration of erections after 3 weeks of ABFES. A 36-year-old male with a T4/T5 SCI (AIS A) reported improvements in ejaculatory function and urine flow. The researchers suggest that ABFES may have a therapeutic effect on sexual function, possibly due to improved blood flow in the abdominal area, enhanced self-esteem, or stimulation of nerves involved in sexual function.

• 1
  A 74-year-old SCI male (AIS D, C5/C6) reported improved strength and duration of erectile function after using ABFES for 3 weeks.
• 2
  A 36-year-old SCI male (AIS A, T4/T5) reported improvements in ejaculatory function and urine flow after ABFES treatment.
• 3
  Both participants reported a reduction in time required for bowel management, suggesting a broader benefit of ABFES.