Quote:
Originally posted by
IslandGoddess
I know this may be an obvious question but people who are paralyzed lets say from the waist down...Do they have sex? For the men can they have an erection? Can they get horny? What about the women? I know when your paralyzed you can't feel anything
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I know this may be an obvious question but people who are paralyzed lets say from the waist down...Do they have sex? For the men can they have an erection? Can they get horny? What about the women? I know when your paralyzed you can't feel anything but I was just wonder if it's by any means possible?
The answer to this question can get quite complicated. It depends on what spinal level the damage is in, as in which vertebra, as well as how much of the spinal cord in that area is damaged. The spinal cord, just like the brain, is organized into several different areas to do different tasks. Some areas control reflexes, some areas carry sensory signals, some areas carry conscious muscle control signals, some areas carry unconscious muscle control signals.
Erections are primary controlled by reflex neurons in the spinal cord, so even people with rather high up spinal cord damage have genitalia that respond essentially normally to sexual activity.
Being horny is generally controlled in an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, so as long as that isn't damaged, theoretically there is no reason their sex drive should have any changes. But, it is also affected by mood, self image, and other things.
I'm sorry I can't give you better answers, but it is really a complicated subject. If you are asking because you are curious about whether you should pursue an experience with someone, I say go for it. It can still be very rewarding regardless of sensation or working genitalia.