Semen quality in spinal cord injured men: does it progressively decline postinjury?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if semen quality of men with spinal cord injury (SCI) undergoes a progressive decline as a function of years postinjury.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data.


METHODS
University-based research center.


METHODS
Semen quality was examined in 638 specimens from 125 men with SCI.


METHODS
Penile vibratory stimulation, electroejaculation, and masturbation were used as semen retrieval methods. Routine semen analysis was performed to evaluate semen quality.


METHODS
Sperm concentration, total sperm count, and percent sperm motility were examined at 2-year intervals from men whose injuries had occurred 6 weeks to 26 years earlier.


RESULTS
No difference in any semen parameter was found as a function of time postinjury.


CONCLUSIONS
Semen quality in men with SCI does not progressively decline after the SCI. Men with SCI who are considering biologic fatherhood should be advised that the number of years after injury need not be a determinant in deciding when to start a family.
Brackett
N L
NL
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Department of Urology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA.
Ferrell
S M
SM
Aballa
T C
TC
Amador
M J
MJ
Lynne
C M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors