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Assisted fertility in complete paraplegia: case report
1Caulfield Rehabilitation Hospital, Australia.
Paraplegia
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Paraplegic men with spinal cord injuries can achieve fatherhood through assisted reproductive technologies like artificial insemination. This case study highlights successful conception and delivery following electro-ejaculation and a dedicated fertility program.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Neuro-Urology
- Human Reproduction
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to male infertility, including erectile dysfunction and anejaculation.
- Complete SCI below the 6th thoracic segment can preserve ejaculatory function, but requires specific retrieval methods.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old paraplegic man with a T6 complete SCI participated in a fertility program.
- Semen was successfully obtained via electro-ejaculation.
- Artificial insemination was performed.
Findings:
- The fertility program resulted in the successful conception and delivery of a healthy male infant.
- The infant weighed 3665g at birth in April 1987.
Implications:
- Demonstrates the potential for biological fatherhood in men with complete thoracic SCI.
- Highlights the efficacy of electro-ejaculation and artificial insemination for achieving pregnancy.
- Underscores the importance of comprehensive fertility programs for individuals with SCI.