A male with spina bifida may experience a number of factors that impact his sexual function.
Factors that may negatively affect sexual function:
(1) neurogenic bladder with incontinence for urine
(2) erectile dysfunction
(3) inability to orgasm
(4) inability to ejaculate, retrograde ejaculation or poor quality
(5) fecal incontinence
(6) hydrocephalus
(7) diminished self-esteem and depression
Factors associated with better sexual function:
(1) ability to ambulate
(2) good touch sensation in the penis
(3) good response to phosphodiesterase inhibitors
(4) good sexual relationship
