Sexuality and Spinal Cord Injury

Women may experience various signs of sexual arousal after a spinal cord injury. The natural moisture of the vagina, important for sexuality, may be affected. In such cases, the use of a simple lubricant can help. Changes in sexual response, such as different or absent orgasm sensations, may occur after a spinal cord injury. It often takes more time to reach orgasm, and orgasms may be perceived differently. Occasionally, orgasms can trigger autonomic dysreflexia or spasms, which can be uncomfortable. Menstruation may cease for up to a year after a traumatic spinal cord injury, but fertility is usually not affected afterward. Therefore, contraception should still be considered.

Erections in men may be affected after a spinal cord injury, and ejaculation may be more difficult. Your doctor or urologist can discuss medical options for support. Sensation in the affected area may also be compromised, necessitating alternative stimulation. While orgasms are possible, they may be experienced differently, and spasms may occur. The amount of semen may be reduced or flow back into the bladder, leading to a lack of ejaculation. However, reproductive medicine can assist men with spinal cord injuries in fathering children, although this typically requires medical assistance.

The information above is from a publication by the University Hospital Balgrist titled "Spinal Cord Injury in Daily Life." For more in-depth discussions, individuals can consult doctors specializing in neuro-urology. 

We highly recommend the book "Sexuality in Spinal Cord Injury – Answers to Your Questions". [2]