The Effect of Injury to the Spinal Cord and Cauda Equina on the Sexual Potency of Men

PATIENTS who are paralyzed as the result of an injury to the spinal cord or cauda equina have to face many difficult physical and psychologic problems. One of the most difficult of the psychologic ones is that which has to do with their loss of sexual ability. To discuss it at all with their doctors requires mutual understanding and confidence. Such confidence presupposes knowledge on the part of the physicians — that is, knowledge of the effect of a cord injury on the various aspects of sexual and possibly married life. Unfortunately, such basic information is conspicuous by its absence. . . .