The 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 or see the publications catalog.

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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Factsheet #10:Male Reproductive Function After Spinal Cord Injury

Introduction

Factsheet #10:
Male Reproductive Function After Spinal Cord Injury