Ask:
Erectile Dysfunction
In the last 3 months, I started experiencing ED. I am only 24, so I am curious as to what the cause may be at this young of an age.
Accompanying the ED has been a loss of virtually my entire sex drive or sexual interest, my penis feels like it is retracting (shortening) all the time, accompanied by a stinging/itching feeling throughout, and it also feels cold to the touch (especially the head), and I have much less feeling in it than I used to.
A local doctor gave me Cialis and that seems to help, but he didn't seem to have any ideas as to these other symptoms or potential causes.
The major lifestyle issues i can think of that may effect it are I drink a lot of caffeine (multiple energy drinks a day, all day, particularly Red Bull and also Monster), I don't get enough sleep, I am under a lot of stress from running my own business and attending college full time, and I went through a divorce this year. However, the fact that Cialis helps so noticeably, along with the coldness and retraction of my penis, suggest to me that it's a physical and not psychological problem. I, of course, am no doctor. :)
They drew some blood to test my testosterone, thyroid, looked for diabetes, etc. Nothing wrong there.
I'm just looking for some suggestions as to what the problem might be and who I should go see beyond my regular doctor.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Answer:
Erectile Dysfunction
Thanks for your question, Eidolon. Here's the link to the answer:
Feel free to comment and keep us posted!
Answer:
Erectile Dysfunction
Dr. Joshua:
Thank you for the fast reply. I graduate with my bachelor's degree in 3 weeks, so when that's behind me, I imagine I will be experiencing a lot less stress. I'm a perfectionist and have maintained a 4.0 throughout my degree, so I place a lot of pressure on myself to keep it going all of the way until the end.
I will post again in ~4 weeks after I've graduated, and in the meantime I will reduce my caffeine consumption and get more sleep. Thanks again!
Answer:
Erectile Dysfunction
You're very welcome, and please keep us posted!
Answer:
Erectile Dysfunction
Dr. Joshua,
I visited my doctor again after graduating, and given some of the other symptoms, like burning sensations while urinating and having to urinate often, with a weak stream that doesn't seem to want to stop, urgency of having to urinate, etc., we investigated the possibility of prostate problems. A physical examination showed no enlargement, lumps, etc., but a urinary analysis had white blood cells present, so he thinks it may be prostatitis. I also had an ultrasound done to look for epididymitis or any infection therein, but they didn't see anything of that sort.
My question now is can prostatitis cause loss of libido and erectile dysfunction? I have all of the other symptoms of prostatitis, except discharge I guess, but the pain (a painful cold, stinging feeling) and the ED are what really bother me.
My other question is, if prostatitis can cause ED and loss of libido, can that sort of effect be permanent? Or if we manage to clear the prostatitis, should I expect everything to be working as normal?
Thanks again.
Answer:
Erectile Dysfunction
Also, they had me take Levaquin (500 mg, once a day) for 14 days. The symptoms seem a little better, but not much.
My doctor said that if infection were the problem, that would've taken care of it, yet I've been reading that prostatitis can take months to fully clear up, even while on medication. What's the truth in regard to that? :)