Fertility relevant hormones in men with spinal cord injury: case control study

Abstract

Objective: Individual and social effects of spinal cord injury is an important cause of morbidity. After the spinal cord injury substantial hormonal changes are seen. The aim of the study was to evaluate the fertility-related hormonal profiles and the clinic implications in men with traumatic spinal cord injury. Materials and Methods: Total of 59 patients with spinal cord injury (complete (Group 1, n = 41) and incomplete (Group 2, n = 18)) and 54 healthy volunteers (Group 3) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected for determination of folliculasr stimulating hormone (FSH), luteining hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), total testesterone (t-testosteron), free testesterone (f-testosteron), dihydroepiandrostedion) DHEA-S, estradiol levels of all patients and volunteers included in the study. In addition, all patients and volunteers completed IIEF(International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire. Patients (Group 1 and Group 2) and healthy volunteers (Group 3) were compared with each other. Results: PRL levels of both SCI groups (Group 1 and Group 2), were significantly higher (p <0.05) than the control group (Group 3). Additionally, t -testosterone and f-testosteron levels were lower in the patients with complete injuries than the control group (p <0.05). IIEF scores were significantly lower (p <0.01) in the patient groups (Group 1 and Group 2) than the control group (Group 3). Conclusion: Spinal cord-injured patients, in terms of hormonal changes and sexual dysfunction, should be followed with fertility-related hormone profiles and IIEF scores.