Cauda Equina Syndrome and Erectile Dysfunction

Cauda equina syndrome can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. In this article we explore this topic in more detail, explaining how cauda equina syndrome can cause erectile dysfunction, and whether or not the problem is likely to improve.

How does CES lead to erectile dysfunction?

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a neurological condition in which the cauda equina nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. Compression can arise for any number of reasons, including a slipped disc or a spinal tumour.

The cauda equina nerves serve the lower limbs, pelvic organs and the genitalia. They enable both function and sensation in the legs, buttocks, penis/vagina, perineum, bladder, rectum and urethra.

Sensation and function will be lost, however, if the nerves are damaged due to compression. Injury of the cauda equina nerves will lead to various symptoms, including the inability to achieve an erection/orgasm.

Prognosis for recovery

With regards to cauda equina syndrome, the prognosis for recovery is entirely dependent upon how quickly treatment is provided. If decompression surgery is carried out before the nerves sustain irreparable injury, there is a good chance a recovery will be made. This means a male patient should regain normal erectile function.

However, if treatment is delayed, the compression upon the nerves will quickly cause severe injury. Within a short space of time, the injury will be so extensive that any treatment will be ineffective. A patient will be left with permanent neurological complications, including erectile dysfunction.

This varied prognosis is highlighted in a report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Sexual function was investigated in 46 men with cauda equina lesions and the following results recorded:-

• 35% reported severe sexual dysfunction
• 24% reported moderate dysfunction
• 26% reported slight dysfunction
• 15% reported normal function

Delayed treatment of cauda equina syndrome

If you have been left with erectile dysfunction because of cauda equina syndrome, you need to consider whether medical error is to blame. If there was a delay in treatment because doctors failed to diagnose the condition and/or appreciate the need for urgent decompression, the standard of care will be deemed unacceptable. This means you will be entitled to pursue a claim against the medical practitioner or hospital responsible for your long-term complications.

For more information about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome and erectile dysfunction, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in cauda equina claims and will be more than happy to help.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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