With any level of spinal cord injury, the spinal cord injured male will most likely have some sexual impairment. Sex and SCI is a complex issue. Not only will you most likely have overall physical paralysis, limiting your ability to move your arms, hands or body, but you will probably experience forms of impotence and sensory loss, as well. It will be extremely important for you to learn to sexually readjust after your injury and to take the time to re-explore your body's old and new sexual responses. You will also need to learn new ways of exploring your partner's body, as well as new ways of sexually pleasing her.

With a spinal cord injury above the T12 level, you will most likely experience difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection, and with ejaculation. If you have a cervical lesion, you will also have difficulty in positioning yourself during sexual activity.

With a spinal cord injury below the T12 level, you may be able to achieve an erection as you did before your injury, although you may still have problems maintaining it.

There are several medical and non-medical options available to help men achieve and maintain erections. These may include vibrators, a vacuum pump device, a surgical implant, oral and injected medicines.

Two highly recommended books, written by the author of this web site and another OT, are available for sale.

These books give great insight and information into sex and SCI, as well as practical tips for achieving a healthy and pleasurable sex life following your injury. They address medical options, interpersonal topics, and areas of fear and embarrassment, such as incontinence, impotence and spasms. They discuss ways to communicate with your partner about your disability and other related fears or