SEXUALITY ISSUES for the Person with Spina Bifida

Forty years ago, we learned an important lesson in the development of a child with the Myelomeningocele form of Spina Bifida: 6 to 9 year old patients with myelomeningocele did not know whether they were boys or girls. A subsequent study demonstrated that parents were embarrassed to ask whether their infant or young child could become a competent reproductive human being! This lack of information is in stark contrast to what is actually known. Adult patients with myelomeningocele are able to reproduce. A patient’s potential sexuality can be discussed in a straightforward manner. For parents of children initially treated elsewhere, their understanding of a particular concept should be clarified prior to any further discussion. If their understanding is correct, the issue will not require further discussion unless their knowledge is out of date. Therefore, we discuss with new families, regardless of age, the parents' knowledge of their fetus' or child's sexuality and reproductive potential.