Ejaculation is a Motor function which cannot take place if the particular nerves and parts of the spinal cord that control ejaculation are injured. The ability to ejaculate is controlled by nerves, which originate in the lowest part of the spinal cord; that is, segments T-12 to L-2, and Sacral levels, 2, 3, and 4.
Some spinal cord injured men can ejaculate. In men with lower level injuries, most researchers report that ejaculation occurs in up to 70% of men with incomplete lower injuries, and in up to 17% of men with complete lower level injuries. In men with upper level injuries, most researchers report that ejaculation occurs in up to 29% of men with incomplete upper level injuries, and rarely, if ever, in men with complete upper level injuries.
SCI men who do ejaculate may experience retrograde ejaculation. Orgasm does not necessarily accompany ejaculation. Due to sensory loss, few spinal cord injured men are able to reach and experience pre-injury-type orgasm. Heightened Spasticity has been experienced by some men at the point of ejaculation.
Not all spinal cord injured men attempt coitus, for whatever reason. However, for those who do, many are successful.
For men with lower level injuries, researchers report that 90% of the men with incomplete lower level injuries who attempted coitus were successful, and 65% of men with complete lower level injuries were successful.
For men with upper level injuries, researchers report that 85% of men with incomplete upper level injuries who attempted coitus were successful, and 72% of men with complete upper level injuries were successful.
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PoinTIS Copyright © 1998 the Louis Calder Memorial Library of the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, all rights reserved.
