Sexual function in adults with myelomeningocele.

During the last 25 years more myelomeningocele patients have survived to adulthood and there is increasing interest in their sexual function. Little has been written on this subject. Of 108 patients 16 or more years old with myelomeningocele 47 were interviewed regarding sexual function. Of the 35 female patients 24 were sexually active and 12 of the 17 having actual sexual intercourse had become pregnant. Of the latter 12 patients 10 had ileal conduit urinary diversions, and neither they nor their children experienced any major complications from pregnancy and delivery. Among the 12 male patients 10 were sexually active, with erection and ejaculation present in 9. Six male patients were having sexual intercourse and 1 had become a father. Most of our adults with myelomeningocele had satisfactory sexual function.