Sexual and Reproductive Abnormalities in Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) may cause predictable abnormalities in genital sexual arousal and changes in the ability to achieve orgasm. In this review, sexual dysfunction and reproductive abnormalities and their treatment possibilities in male and female patients with SCI were reviewed. Literature from 1982-2011 examining the neuroanatomy of sexual functions, sexual dysfunction and reproductive abnormalities and their treatment alternatives both in male and female patients with SCI was reviewed with PubMed. In both genders, the sympathetic, parasympathetic and motor-sensory innervations of genitals are localized at the T11-L2, and S2-4 and S2-3 spinal cord levels, respectively. Patients with lesions above or at level of T11L2 have reflex erections but no psychogenic erections. Patients with lesions in between levels of L2 and S2 spinal segments have reflex and psychogenic erections. Patients with lesions at level of S2-3 or below can have psychogenic erections but no reflex erections. Patients with lesions above the T10 level have autonomic, somatic, vibration and electroejaculations but no nocturnal ejaculation. Patients with lesions at the level of the thoracolumbar (T11-L2) region can have electroejaculation but no autonomic, somatic, vibration and nocturnal ejaculations. Patients with lesions below the L2 levels can produce emissions and electroejaculation but no other type of ejaculation. Reproductive dysfunction in men with SCI is due to a combination of ED, ejaculatory failure, and abnormal semen parameters. Women with no lesions at the T11-L2 levels may have psychogenic genital vasocongestion, while reflex lubrication and orgasm is more prevalent in women who have preserved the sacral reflex arc (S2-S5). A better knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in SCI patients provides a more predictable understanding of sexual and reproductive dysfunctions.