Men with spinal cord injury have a smaller prostate than men without

Abstract

Objective. To compare prostate volume and number of ejaculations in men with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). Material and methods. A total of 31 men aged ≥30 years who had suffered from SCI at the age of 15–30 years >5 years previously were investigated and compared with 31 age-matched controls. Prostate size was measured using transrectal ultrasound and compared between groups. Hormonal status was examined by measuring the levels of prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin. Questions were asked concerning ejaculatory function. Results. Median prostate size was 20.4 cm³ (range 9.9–39.7 cm³) in the SCI group and 25.7 cm³ (range 14.5–39.1 cm³) in the control group (p=0.002). Testosterone levels were within normal ranges, but a significant difference between the groups was seen (p<0.001). The free androgen index did not differ significantly between the groups. No significant differences in other hormone levels were demonstrated. The control group ejaculated a median of eight times per month (range 1–28 times). Eight men with SCI ejaculated without assistance a median of twice per month (range <1–12 times) (p=0.028). Nine men with SCI achieved ejaculations with penile vibratory stimulation a median of once per month (range <1–4 times) (p=0.004). Fourteen men had either not ejaculated at all or very seldom following the injury. Conclusions. Men with SCI have a smaller prostate than those without. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate whether the reduced number of ejaculations they experience and the neurological damage contribute to this.

• Spinal cord injury
• prostate
• ejaculation
• ultrasound