Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries on Sexuality

People who suffer from spinal cord injuries often develop physical complications that affect their ability to function sexually. These problems can include a reduction in genital sensitivity, the loss of orgasmic ability, and difficulty maintaining bladder control. Many individuals with spinal cord injuries are also susceptible to autonomic dysreflexia which is a dangerous autonomic nervous system reaction that can be generated during sexual activity. Although many people with spinal cord injuries do experience sexual difficulties, most maintain and enjoy the ability to engage in intimate sexual activities and pursue interpersonal relationships.

Sexual Complications in Males with Spinal Cord Injuries:

In males, the loss of genital sensation is one of the most common sexual problems that can result from spinal cord injuries. K.D. Anderson and J.F. Borisoff found that out of the 199 males with spinal cord injuries that they studied,