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Question:
I am a C6-7 incomplete quad with pretty good sensation
and no trouble getting erections. The problem is, I can only
ejaculate for about two days in a row, sometimes three. Then
I must "save up" for two or three weeks before I can
ejaculate again, even though I have good erections during
this period. Is this normal? If not, is there anything I can
do or take (vitamins?) that would charge me up faster?
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Answer:
by Mitchell Tepper: (05/16/2004)
The range of normal human sexuality is very large, with or
without spinal cord injury. For those of us with SCI who can
ejaculate, frequency is often inconsistent and may vary
greatly over time. But from what I understand, frequency of
ejaculation in men with SCI has nothing to do with "saving
up" seminal fluid.
Semen is made of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the
seminal vesicles and prostate. The seminal vesicles produce
about 70 percent of the seminal fluid, which activates the
sperm and supplies sugar--energy--for the long journey to
follow. The prostate gland produces a thin, milky, alkaline
fluid that accounts for most of the balance of the fluid.
Together, the sperm, seminal fluid and prostatic fluid equal
only about one teaspoon.
The production of semen does not seem to be affected by SCI.
The problem seems to lie in the two-stage process of
ejaculation--emission and propulsion. Emission is controlled
primarily by nerves exiting the spine at T11 and Tl2 and
propulsion is primarily controlled by nerves exiting the
lower spine at S2 to S4.
The combined process of emission and propulsion is a complex
neurological reflex causing the seminal vesicles and
prostate gland to contract and squeeze their fluids into the
urethra (this point is experienced as ejaculatory
inevitability) which in turn triggers rhythmic contractions
of muscles along the penis. Voila, ejaculation occurs.
After ejaculation there is a so-called refractory period
during which most men cannot respond to additional sexual
stimulation. The length of this period increases with age.
For men with SCI, the complex reflex responsible for
ejaculation seems to become exhausted and needs much more
time to recuperate. I've searched for a more complete answer
to this problem, and this is the only explanation I've
found. There are no nutritional supplements or special diets
that will help you recharge any faster. Fortunately, sexual
pleasure and orgasm are not solely dependent on ejaculation.
--Mitch TepperReviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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