Spina Bifida Support Group

Spina bifida describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called clefts).

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Children's Physical Health
/ Spina Bifida Support Group

Penile function at a later age

deleted_user
deleted_user
OK, I know this is getting way ahead if myself, but from the moment I realized that my unborn son may never be able to use his penis the way a man should; or never be able to have children, I have been unable to think about anything else. This may sound trite to some but I am sincerely concerned about it. Please if anyone knows anything about this peticular topic; good or bad, I would appreciate the insight. From what I understand, the level of the lesion can determine functionability; his lesion starts at S1 ( we think ). Thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Your concern about this is NOT trite. From the day my son was dignosed and I started all of my research I have been extremely concerned about the same thing. I also have wondered if it will affect his fertility. I am going to look through my "research folder" which is HUGE and see what I can find and I will let you know. It is so comforting to finally know another mom who understands my concerns. Carrie
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thank you so much, I truly appreciate you looking into this topic for me, keep me posted.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello,
I had the same concerns for years.
My 19 year old son has had "experience" in this department. We have a really close relationship so I asked him what happened. He said that he did keep an erection but never ejaculated. His level is L 4-5.
Every man with SB is going to be different.
We asked his doctors about it a while ago because I heard that SB men are sterile. He said that they aren't necessarily sterile, it's just that they don't keep an erection long enough to ejaculate. Or don't have the muscles or something to that effect.
And as for ever being a father, medicine is so advanced now that men that are quadrapeligics (sp?) can father children. So I can't imagine what will be out there in 20 yrs.
Good luck with your pregnancy. And try to remember that your little bundle of joy is still basiclly just like any other baby.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i am so glad you asked this. i am dating a man with sb. he doesn't have many related problems to it. fortunately for him. we have discussed kids and the possibilities. when he was 16 his doc. wouldn't talk to him about it at such a young age. which is understandable. now he is 20 and afraid to find out. either way we are going to be together, i just didn't know what my future held w/ pregnancy. everyone here is awsome. thansk so much
meagan
deleted_user
deleted_user
Im married have 2 kids and have SB. It all depends on the person. Both of my kids Dont have SB. My level is very low S1 and i have only slight involvment from a neuro standpoint. Your right about medicine, however it isnt always the answer. viagra can help with erections, however not ejaculation. so ask your doctor.

L
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,
Your concern is definitely not trite! My fiance has SB, and when we first started dating, I knew from the begining it would cause problems, but I don't think i really knew what to expect. Everyone is different, so who can say what will happen, but we have a very fulfilling sex life, but as a few of the responses to your issue have mentioned, ejactualtion is somewhat an issue, however, he has children from a previous relationhship concieved by IVF, but I'm pretty certain that he could have done it kind of naturally (embarrased face). I would totally wait and see what happens, and expect that it's very plausable that he could have an active sex life, and or have children. Hope this helps, and feel free to contact me if you'd like more advice etc. C.
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