Brief communication (Original). Effect of sacral nerve electrostimulation on sex dysfunction in male rats with spinal cord injury

Background: Spinal cord injury severely impairs fertility of young men. It can induce erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and semen abnormalities. However, the precise mechanism is unclear.

Objective: We observed the effects of sacral nerve electrostimulation on sex dysfunction of male rats with spinal cord injury.

Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12): sham operated group, spinal cord injury model group, and electrostimulation group. The weight of genitals, related sex hormone index, and sperm motility were examined in each group after operation at two, four, and six weeks, respectively.

Results: Sacral nerve electrostimulation could improve testis and epididymis weight, regulate hormone secretion (including an increase in GnRH, tT, and ABP, but decrease in FSH and LH), and cause an increase in sperm count and motility.

Conclusion: Sacral nerve electrostimulation may be effective in treating sex dysfunction resulting from spinal cord injury.