Question
I have a new friend who is a quadraplegic.  He is 54 and had his accident when he was 29.  We are just starting to get to know each other and discuss many things about his condition, but I don't dare ask him about sexual things yet.  He has volunteered a lot of information about his bodily fuctions (urine bags, colon bags, etc.) but doesn't talk about the other things.  What is normal for a quadraplegic in regards to erection,etc. ?  

Answer
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for your question.

When it comes to a male with an SCI (spinal cord injury), an erection is not a voluntary action. The patient may achieve an erection from manual stimulation. The problem is that the erection usually does not last very long. When an erection occurs, the penis fills with blood. In a normal erection, the blood stays in the penis for the length of arousal. Because there is no arousal for the patient, the blood escapes unless it is prevented by some other means such as a strap or band at the base of the penis.

In rare cases, a patient may still have sensory which could lead to an erection by arousal.

Please remember that, you are dealing with someone that has suffered a disability and may not perform adequately. If you're not careful, his psychological condition could suffer. Sex should not be the primary factor in a relationship.

Again, thanks for your questions and feel free to ask me more anytime.

John McKinzie