--- title: "Erectile Dysfunction and SCI: Your Best Options" description: There are many misconceptions about spinal cord injury sexuality, particularly pertaining to erectile dysfunction. Learn your best options for dealing with ED. image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Erectile-Dysfunction-Blog.jpeg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - [Journal](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog) - 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[Contact Sports](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-sports) - [Acts of Violence](https://www.spinalcord.com/acts-of-violence) - [Workplace Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/workplace-injuries) - [Slips and Falls](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls) - [Contusions](https://www.spinalcord.com/contusions) - Personal Injury Claims - [Types](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [How to File a Personal Injury Claim](https://www.spinalcord.com/how-to-file-a-personal-injury-claim-for-a-brain-or-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - Coping & Support - [Survivor Stories](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/survivor-stories-inspiration) - [Family & Friends](https://www.spinalcord.com/family-friends-of-brain-spinal-cord-injury-patients) - [Support Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups) - [Support Groups Interactive Map](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups-map) - 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Digital Resources - [Frequently Asked Questions & Answers](https://www.spinalcord.com/frequently-asked-questions-and-answers) - [When To Get A Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Organizing Life From A Hospital](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/traumatic-injury-digital-tools-organize-from-hospital) - [Free Brain and Spinal Cord eBooks](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - [Spinal Cord Infographics](https://www.spinalcord.com/infographics) - [SCI Life Uncovered Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Local Resources - [Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resources ](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-sci-resources) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) - [Map of State Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/state-programs) - [Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/erectile-dysfunction-and-sci-your-best-options#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # Erectile Dysfunction and SCI: Your Best Options Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: December 06, 2020 ![Erectile-Dysfunction-Blog-656163-edited.jpeg](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Erectile-Dysfunction-Blog-656163-edited.jpeg)There are a lot of misconceptions about sexuality after a [spinal cord injury (SCI)](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury), and a man's ability to have an erection is certainly one of the most common. Absolutely — it's much more difficult for a man to [achieve an erection](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-parts-of-the-body-can-be-affected-by-a-spinal-cord-injury) after a spinal cord injury. However, it does not mean however that getting an erection is impossible. In fact, there are four solid options that allow men to still achieve an erection after an injury. Some are more invasive than others, but most are covered by insurance. Read on for a rundown of each method. ## **Viagra and More** People often wonder “does Viagra work for paraplegics?” Viagra is one of the easiest interventions and most common oral medications taken by men with a variety of spinal cord injuries to get an erection. However, some men do not see any results and will try Levitra or Cialis instead. Oral medication has proven the least likely to work in quadriplegics, who then use one of the other options I will mention in this article to achieve erections. It also is important to keep in mind that these medications may make you lightheaded since they work by decreasing your blood pressure. ## **Medicated Injection: Caverjet** If an oral medication doesn't work, many men try the injectable medication Caverjet. Your doctor will instruct you or your significant other on how to use it, but it’s proven to work quite well in men with all levels of spinal cord injuries. After injection, the medication draws blood into the penis within minutes. The effects last for about four hours, so be sure to not drink alcohol while taking Caverjet. ## **Penis Pump** While it’s an older but effective method, a [vacuum constriction device](https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/vacuum-constriction-devices#1) (aka “penis pump”) is an easy alternative for achieving an erection after a spinal cord injury. It works by drawing blood into the penis via a cylindrical device that’s placed over the penis and has an air pump attached to it. When you pump, blood is drawn into the penis and a ring is placed around the base of the penis to keep the erection. Do not use it for longer than 30 minutes, however, to avoid bruising or damage to the skin. ## **Penis Implant** A penile implant is a more serious intervention, but it’s guaranteed to work nearly every time. You must consult your urologist to find a surgeon experienced in placing a penile implant, but many men with spinal cord injuries use them successfully. There are [two main types](https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/penile-implants-for-erection-problems): semi-rigid or inflatable cylinders. The first is always firm and can be manipulated to be used or to remain hidden; the latter has cylinders that are implanted into the shaft of the penis. It works by injecting saline into the implant via a hidden opening in the groin. When inflated, most men say it’s nearly similar to a natural erection. Long term, one downside is possible skin breakdown. Remember, as with all things related to your health, you should talk to your doctor before using any of the above methods. Also, we want to add that [a good sex life](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/you-can-rediscover-sex-after-a-sci-and-enjoy-it-in-a-different-way) can still be found as well without an erection, which we will discuss in future articles. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/d59d2232-0b56-4b13-a195-eab292389dfa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/d59d2232-0b56-4b13-a195-eab292389dfa) **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Health & Exercise, Family & Relationships, Advice & Tips ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/erectile-dysfunction-and-sci-your-best-options#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/erectile-dysfunction-and-sci-your-best-options#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

\n

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

\n

Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

\n\n

Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```