A Survey of SCI Individuals Who Use a Ferti CareR Personal Vibrator: Reproduction, Bladder Program, Spasticity and Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction: For individuals with spinal cord injury, the Ferti Care R Personal vibrator can be applied to the genitalia for reproductive health and orgasm. In addition, reports of vibratory effects on spasticity and bladder inhibition have been reported. However, there is no reported owner survey for the devices home-use, either benefits or problems.Methods: 122 SCI individuals (69% response rate) who had been using the device for 2 to more than 4 years completed a mailed survey which included a wide range of device related questions.Results: Respondents were primarily males (90%) between 20 and 60 years old. Seventy-two percent had cervical or upper thoracic injury and 56% had complete injuries; 91% are using the device currently, but 48% have periods of nonuse. They were using it for orgasm (ejaculation, 84%) and sexual activity (68%). Most respondents also perceived improvement since starting to use the device in health areas including: overall health (70%), quality of life (96%), leg spasticity (80%), sleeping (65%), decreased urinary incontinence episodes (71%) and decreased rate of urinary tract infections (57%). Help with having 22 children was reported by 14 owners. Problems with use included few or no erections (77%), skin problems (13%), and needing medication for high blood pressure during use (10%). Conclusions: This is the first survey of use and nonuse of a vibrator by individuals with SCI. High percentages of respondents reported benefit in areas of sexual health, quality of life, spasticity relief and bladder inhibition. Problems with use were limited. Thus, vibratory therapy should be considered further in SCI rehabilitation programs as well as for continued outcomes research.