Penile Vibratory Stimulation (PVS) - Produces ejaculation, aids fertility in men with spinal cord injuries

Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Testing

Pioneer in Embryo Genetic Testing and Gender Selection

- Procedures for Men with Spinal Cord Injuries -

Penile Vibratory Stimulation - PVS

Penile Vibratory Stimulation (PVS) - Even though the majority of men with spinal cord injuries can achieve erections and have sexual intercourse, the percentage who can successfully ejaculate is very low. At the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Testing, we can help these men achieve ejaculation using Penile Vibratory Stimulation (PVS).

How does PVS work?

· PVS is an office procedure that requires no anesthetic or sedation to perform.

· A custom-designed mechanical vibrator is placed at either the base or glans of the penis and set to vibrate at a designated frequency and wave amplitude.

· Vibration travels along the sensory nerves to the spinal cord and may induce a reflex ejaculation. The vibrator is provided by the doctor, as store-bought vibrators are not as effective in producing ejaculation. This technique only works in patients with an intact ejaculatory reflex arc and the results are dependent on the level of spinal cord injury.

· If enough high-quality sperm are recovered from the semen, they can be washed in our laboratory and used in Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), a process where prepared sperm is injected using a small tube or catheter directly into the uterus to achieve egg fertilization.

· In general, the quality of sperm in men with spinal cord injuries is poor. If a lower number or lower quality of sperm are recovered in the semen, the recovered sperm can still be used with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a single sperm, processed in our laboratory, is injected directly into an oocyte (egg) to fertilize it. Once fertilized, the developing embryo is implanted into the uterus.

The complication rate of PVS is low, although mild skin abrasions and swelling may occur. Patients should be monitored for autonomic dysreflexia, the sudden onset of high blood pressure.

For more information about these procedures, or to set up an appointment with our doctors, please contact us at 310-278-7590.

Electroejaculation

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