IMPROVEMENT OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION IN MEN WITH SPINAL CORD LESION

Acta Clin Croat, 2018 · DOI: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.01.19 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Women's Health

Simple Explanation

This review aims to understand sexual and reproductive problems in men with spinal cord lesions (SCL). These problems include low self-esteem, orgasm delays, and issues with erection, ejaculation and sperm quality. Modern treatments focus on improving the quality of life for these men, especially sexual function and reproduction. Erectile dysfunction can be treated with medications, injections, vacuum devices, and prostheses. Semen can be collected through methods like vibration, electrical stimulation, massage, or surgery. Fatherhood is possible with medical assistance, achieving pregnancy rates similar to those of subfertile men without spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Erectile dysfunction in men with SCL can be managed with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injections, vacuum devices, and penile prostheses.
2
Ejaculatory dysfunction can be addressed with semen retrieval techniques like penile vibratory stimulation, electroejaculation, prostate massage, or surgical procedures.
3
Assisted reproductive techniques, combined with sperm retrieval methods, have shown reasonable pregnancy rates in couples where the male partner has a spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

The review aims to analyze sexual and reproductive functions in men with spinal cord lesions (SCL). Many of these functions can be impaired, including self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction, and abnormal semen characterized by poor sperm motility and viability. Erectile dysfunction can be treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injections, vacuum devices, and penile prostheses. Semen can be obtained from anejaculatory men using penile vibratory stimulation, electroejaculation, prostate massage, or surgical procedures. Despite the challenges, fatherhood is possible through assisted medical management. Various medical, technical, and surgical procedures for sperm retrieval, combined with assisted reproductive methods, have resulted in high pregnancy rates, comparable to those in able-bodied subfertile individuals.

Practical Implications

Improved treatment strategies

The review highlights effective treatments for erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in men with SCL, offering options for improving sexual function.

Enhanced fertility options

Assisted reproductive technologies, combined with sperm retrieval methods, provide viable pathways to fatherhood for men with SCL.

Need for further research

The review identifies the need for more studies to enhance semen quality and assisted ejaculation methods in SCL patients.

Study Limitations

1
Future studies are needed to improve semen quality
2
Future studies are needed to improve methods of assisted ejaculation
3
Choice of assisted technologies for semen retrieval and fertilization is currently controversial

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