Spinal Cord Injuries and Male Infertility

Sperm Retrieval and Assisted Reproductive Techniques for SPI

A spinal cord injury has the potential to affect a male's sexuality and fertility. At MFS we offer various testing and treatments to overcome any fertility obstacles on your journey to parenthood.

Spinal Cord Injury Affects Sexuality & Infertility

Spinal cord injury patients often have concerns about sexual health and functions. Some side effects of a spinal cord injury may include:

  • Decreased Sexual Desire
  • Difficulty Having an Erection
  • Difficult Maintaining an Erection
  • Unable to Ejaculate

Sperm Retrieval After Spinal Cord Injury

After a spinal cord injury it can be difficult to ejaculate or maintain an erection. This can be a difficult change to cope with, especially if you are trying to start a family. There are a number of different techniques that can be used to retrieve sperm after receiving a spinal cord injury. Testing should be performed to determine the best method for sperm retrieval. At MFS we offer:

  • Vibration Technique
  • Rectal Probe Electroejaculation (EEJ)
  • Testicular Biopsy or Vas Aspiration

Spinal Cord Injuries and Assisted Reproductive Techniques

After the sperm has been retrieved from the male, it can be cryopreserved for future use or utilized in an assisted reproductive technique (ART) such as:

  • Artificial Insemination
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
  • IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
  • IVF with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Freeze First!™ Before a Vasectomy

We encourage all patients to cryopreserve their sperm prior to vasectomy, cancer treatments, spinal cord procedures, military deployment, other dangerous activities or reaching an advanced age. Sperm banking has never been more affordable, with rates starting at $300 (typical cost is $1,700) at the Fertility Center of California (FCC). Note that special pricing is only available to MFS patients.

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