lower spine broken in an accident

Resolved question:

I am 38 year old guy. I got my lower spine broken in an accident .Could this affect my sexual function? I used to watch

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Sexologist

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello. Thank you for your query.

Injury to spinal cord may have some impact on sexual function if it affects the nerves that are involved in sexual excitation. It mainly depends on the area of the spinal cord that is injured.

Men have erection by one or more of the following ways-

A)Psychogenic-This occurs when you think of something that is attractive /sexy

b)Reflexogenic-This occurs with a direct stimulation or touch

c)Spontaneous-Due to some internal stimulation, like full bladder.

If the injury to the spinal cord involves the root values T11 and T12 , having an erection by watching a movie with a sex scene or looking through a playboy magazine may not work well(Psychogenic).This is because the message (sexy thoughts) cannot be communicated between your brain and the spinal cord.

An erection with physical stimulation and full bladder is transmitted via S2-3-4 spinal cord segments. Injury to this segment of spinal cord would result in the loss of reflexogenic  and spontaneous erections.

I would recommend you to consult a physician for your status to be evaluated for further management, for an uninterrupted sexual life.

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