National Spinal Cord Injury Association Resource Center
Factsheet #10:
Male Reproductive Function After Spinal
Cord Injury
Introduction
There are approximately 10,000 people who survive a
spinal cord injury every year, 80% of whom are male. Most
are young and in what is considered their
"reproductive years" or perhaps, looking
forward to entering them. Although an injury to the
spinal cord may affect the male's ability to achieve
conception, there are numerous strategies available to
help a couple wherein the man has a spinal cord injury to
have children. In this factsheet, we will review the
basic neuroanatomy of ejaculation, the process of sperm
production and transport and the problem men with SCI
face in terms of ejaculation and pregnancy achievement.
We will then discuss the treatment options which help men
with SCI overcome these difficulties that often lead to
biological fatherhood.
Topics included in this fact sheet:
- Neurophysiology of Ejaculation
- Sperm Production and Transport
- Sperm Retrieval Techniques
For a complete text of this fact sheet,
join NSCIA.
NSCIA, 8/95
This Factsheet is provided as an
information service to you and is not intended to be
comprehensive. The data used in this Factsheet was
complied by the NSCIA staff. Any information you may have
to offer to further update this Factsheet would be
greatly appreciated. The National Spinal Cord Injury
Association Resource Center (NSCIRC) provides information
and referral on any subject related to spinal cord
injury. Contact the resource center at 1-800-962-9629.
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