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Spina Bifida Health-care Guidelines for Men's Health
John S Wiener1, Dominic C Frimberger2, Hadley Wood3
1Division of Urologic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
Insights
Adult men with spina bifida often experience sexual dysfunction due to congenital anomalies and bladder management. This includes issues with fertility, sensation, erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic functions, alongside prostate cancer concerns.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Neurology
Background:
- Spina bifida is often viewed as a pediatric condition, overlooking its significant impact on adult health.
- Congenital neurologic and urologic issues in spina bifida profoundly affect adult male sexual function.
Abstract:
Spina bifida has traditionally been regarded as a pediatric health issue with little regard to adult consequences of the disorder. The congenital neurologic and urologic anomalies, as well as sequelae of bladder management, can have a profound impact on adult male sexual function. Abnormalities in testicular descent, development, and function; fertility; penile sensation; erectile function; ejaculatory function; and orgasmic function are common. Prostate cancer has been diagnosed in men with spina bifida, but little data are available to guide screening, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. The Spina Bifida Association has supported development of guidelines for health care providers to address male health issues in individuals with spina bifida throughout their lives.