The fertility of men with spinal injuries

Abstract

Application of a vibrator of 80 Hz and 2.5 mm amplitude to the lower surface of the glans penis caused ejaculation in less than 20 minutes (usually less than 3 minutes) in 48 of 81 men with spinal cord injuries (mostly complete) of more than 6 months duration. It failed in all the 19 of the 81 who lacked reflex hip flexion on scratching the soles of the feet, and in 14 others. It failed in ii of 12 men with injuries of less than 6 months’ duration. From 21 of 34 men for whom the vibrator failed, semen could be obtained by electroejaculation, which is just as successful within 6 months of injury as subsequently and may succeed even if reflex hip flexion is absent. Eleven pregnancies where the father had a complete or nearly complete spinal cord lesion are reported. Nine healthy children have been born. © 1984 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.