Erectile Dysfunction

[BrooksBro]

Thanks GS.

I tried everything I could think of or find recommended on the internet to help me sleep.  I kept a sleep diary for several weeks, took the Epworth Sleepiness Score, and went to see a certified sleep specialist (neurologist).  At 5 ft 9 in, an athletic 180 lbs, 15-1/2 inch neck, and an endurance runner, I did not think I fit the typical profile of someone with sleep apnea.  (It is common among current and former professional football players, especially linemen.)  I thought it could be a circadian rhythm disturbance.  As expected, the doc sent me for a sleep study.  I had a lousy night of sleep, so I knew it was a "good" test.  I was surprised that I slept two hours longer than normal.  The results were I wake up a little over 30 times every hour, just into the severe category.  It's obstructive sleep apnea alright. 

Contributing factors could include that I still have my tonsils, chronic and untreated stuffy nose (mild allergies), and hypothyroidism (treated).  A low reported side effect of testosterone replacement is sleep apnea.  Adding the testosterone gel has been the only significant new medication, and I have been on it since February of this year.  It could have been just enough to bring my previous unrecognized sleep apnea to the forefront.

I have a CPAP titration sleep study tonight.  After months 4-6 hours of interrupted sleep nightly, I am eagerly anticipating 8+ hours of restful sleep tonight.  I picked out a machine and possible mask from an insurance company contracted provider, and know what the insurance company will pay.  I won't see the doc to get the results and prescription for about two weeks.   

After getting on the CPAP (and adjusting to it), I also anticipate getting sufficient and high quality sleep will let my body begin to function more normally in many ways, mostly hormonal (testosterone, thyroid, human growth, insulin, etc).  Sleep apnea could explain my high morning blood sugar and blood pressure, which were previously disgustingly normal.

I am disappointed that my urologist did not consider this as a possibility on my last visit, when I mentioned excessive daytime sleepiness to both the urology fellow and the head physician.  Nor has my internal medicine doc who has been treating me for hypothyroidism more than three years.  I learned there is a HUGE coincidence between hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea.  I can't fault the internal medicine doc too much; I saw his PA this summer and she wrote a trial Rx for Ambien, not him, and I never went back.  Once again, WE have to be aggressively proactive in our own medical treatment.

I agree, if you snore and are persistently sleepy during the day, ask your doctor if it might be sleep apnea.

BrooksBro

BrooksBro,

I went through the same thing with HRT and have used a C pap machine for sleep apnea for several years now.  The C pap machine takes a little getting used to, but the difference in how you sleep and feel after you start using it is incredible.  It was like I was a new man after I started using it.

My suggestion to anyone who snores is to have a sleep study done to find out if you have sleep apnea.  It's one of the best things I ever did.

GS

[GS]

BrooksBro,

I went through the same thing with HRT and have used a C pap machine for sleep apnea for several years now.  The C pap machine takes a little getting used to, but the difference in how you sleep and feel after you start using it is incredible.  It was like I was a new man after I started using it.

My suggestion to anyone who snores is to have a sleep study done to find out if you have sleep apnea.  It's one of the best things I ever did.

GS

[BrooksBro]

Two updates.

1.  I bought a lower tension ring from Timm Medical - a gray color Erecaid B.  The first time I used it, my erection was less firm than with the largest ring provided with the Vitality OTC VED.  I'd call it marginal.  I'm willing to try it a few more times.

2.  Testosterone level
Feb 24 - 279, E2 <2, - started on 50 mg Testim daily
May 24 - 397 - started on 100 mg Testim daily
July 23 - 836 - continue 100 mg Testim daily

With my testosterone now over 800, I can't say that 100 mg Viagra works for me any better than it did when my level was 400.  I have a continuing fear of my erection becoming weaker during intercourse.  So, I still use The Pump and a tension ring for intercourse.  When pumping and wearing the ring, my confidence in maintaining a satisfactory erection is very high.

On 25mg Viagra nightly (L-arginine 2g, pycnogenol 60 mg), my night time erections continue to be frequent and firm, although not especially long lasting. 

One possible side effect of testosterone replacement is an increase in sleep apnea.  I've never had any symptoms of sleep apnea (wake up gasping, morning headache, etc), nor have I ever been told I snore loudly or excessively.  Something is affecting my ability to sleep long enough, and my attempts to identify and treat it with OTC meds it have been unsuccessful.  5-6 hours of sleep is not nearly enough.  I'm going to see a neurologist (not a pulmonologist) sleep doctor soon.  It could be a circadian rhythm disturbance, such as advanced sleep phase syndrome. 

Welcome to the family of VED users for erections! Your experience is just about average for first time users. Suggest that you "practice" using various rings until you find the right tension for you. You need one that will hold up an erection for at least the 30 minute limit. I still use the special rings that came with my Osbon Esteem VED as they present a more comfortable restriction and give the best erection quality.

These rings are still available from several web sites and also from the current maker of the Osbon VEDs - Timm Medical division of Endocare in MN. The rings cost about $20.00 plus S&H as I recall from my last order. These rings have special features that apply more pressure at a point that does the best job of holding the blood in the erectile chambers.

[Noway]

So yeah Im going to see a peyronies disease specialist in 2 months. I still have all the same problems. My problems are Having a hard time ejaculating, keeping an erection, curved penis (downward), Soreness, Pain in 1 of my vein when getting erections which is seldom I get an erection. I also have an indent in my urethra and on the left side. Ive so far tried viagra 50 mg , levitra 100 mg both didnt work they get me hard but I still cant keep the erection as soon as I touch it it starts going down. Ive tried the vacuum device many of times hasnt worked for me because It hurts too much and I bought a good one and im following the instructions to a tee. Also when I pump it stays bent and doesnt want to go straight. Also my penis lately has been tighting up alot more than usuall. Im not sure what to do now except see what the specialist has to say. I have both ed and peyronies disease so im thinking an implant but that still wont help my problem with reaching orgasm Also my urethra is messed up and my veins hurt. . Im only 24 years old and have had this for like 6 years I just want to be normal. Also my urethra is messed up and my veins hurt. So if I could get hard and stay hard maybe I will be able to reach orgasm easier. Such a mess....

[newguy]

In my case, I realized that I caused it from using two tight constriction rings with a VED. None of the literature with the VED cautioned about using too tight of rings or more than one at a time.

Anyway, the Peyronies Disease showed up right where I used to have the rings. So that was the trauma. I threw all the rings away and won't ever use those again. I now use the VED Protocol and the indention has gone away but I still have a curve to the left but not as bad.

Still using the VED

It's unfortunate that such a situation came about. Many men do not realise that their penis is anything less than indestructable though, so you're not alone. If you read some of the extreme things people do on penis extention forums, you'd cringe. That you are now using the VED correctly and with positive results is an important lesson for all of those wishing to use such a treatment method. Hopefully continued use will improve your condition even more over time.

[hb]

In my case, I realized that I caused it from using two tight constriction rings with a VED. None of the literature with the VED cautioned about using too tight of rings or more than one at a time.

Anyway, the Peyronies Disease showed up right where I used to have the rings. So that was the trauma. I threw all the rings away and won't ever use those again. I now use the VED Protocol and the indention has gone away but I still have a curve to the left but not as bad.

Still using the VED

[BrooksBro]

Presuming to speak for everyone else here, few of us remember any specific event that triggered the inflammation leading to peyronies.  Not being able to identify the primary injury cause is also reported by most of the peyronies condition summaries that I have read.

I agree, even if you knew, it would not change the treatment.

Like when I see the urologist all they ask me if I hurt myself. I say I dont know because I dont...

[mike67]

I have been using one of the sex shop VED s for about 10 days. Just newly diagnosed. I am using the Jackp protocol recommended by The Old Man for a single cylinder.It is equipped with a rubber sleeve which I used up until last night. It was bothering me to look at it as the sleeve holds tight on the penis as you are pumping . It extends through the tip of the sleeve for the exercise but it worries me that it is pinched half the way up/down.
So I removed the sleeve last night and felt more comfortable as there was nothing pinching my penis as I pumped, holding for 15-20 seconds - then release.

[Noway]

Like when I see the urologist all they ask me if I hurt myself. I say I dont know because I dont and thats all and they dont do anything. Asking me that question all the time how will that help the problem... so what if I did hurt myself your supposed to be helping me.

[Noway]

Im going to see a peyronies specialist in 3 months so I need these months to fly by. My uro said theres only a few in the world so im going to see this guy hopefully he actually got his degree not like the other uros ive seen that got there degree from the back of a cereal box.

[Noway]

Its the osborn one it cost me like 400 dollars and its full tube. I did everything right and I said what goes wrong when using it. I followed all the instructions. It just doesnt work for me Ive tried a few times and in the book and it sais if you have odd shape penis do not use it and contact your doctor.

[Old Man]

Noway:

Give us more information about the VED that your uro prescribed for you. If it is one of the "sex toy" type you make not be able to get good results from it as you state. You must have a cylinder large enough to allow full extension of your penis in length and girth at least for part of the 26 week protocol.

You can use the one cylinder protocol if the cylinder is/was large enough to allow for full extension. So, give us more information about your VED unit listing the dimensions of the cylinder, length, diameter and whether or not is a straight tube or tapered, etc.

Old Man

[Noway]

I went to my uro and he got me a appointment with a peyronies disease specialist. I have to wait 9 and a half months to see him I still got 3 months and a half to go .

[Noway]

I guess the doctor gave me the wrong cylinder I only have the cylinder with 1 tube. What I mean by disfigured is when I pump my penis goes downward tight agaist the cylinder and then the veins start to hurt. Also my penis goes really tight and doesnt look right.

[newguy]

I bought the ved and it doesnt work for me. The reasons for this are as follows when im pumping my veins on my penis hurt and my penis goes disfigured ive read all instructions and am doing it properly.

Good advice from OldMan below!  Can clarify what you mean by disfigured, so that we can get a better idea about what is happening?

[Old Man]

Noway:

Another suggestion = forget the protocol and try this: Use only the large cylinder for a while. Lube up as usual, use only the large outer sizing insert and just apply a very small amount of pressure to determine if this will allow you to do so. If there is no hurting of the veins with this, hold this mild pressure for as long as it remains comfortable. However, hold it no longer that about one or two minutes before releasing it. If this stays comfortable with no major pain, do these exercises as long as they stay comfortable, etc.

Once you have determined that this works, try putting the medium cylinder back in the VED and try doing the same procedure. IOW, try working your way back up to the point you can do the protocol according to the schedule using all three cylinders.

Hopefully, this will work for you. Remember that any exercise that you can give your penis is best for your Peyronies Disease problems. Keep us up to date on what is happening for you. Surely, there is some reason for the veins hurting, so you need to find out what is causing it. Maybe your uro can help, so check with him/her as soon as possible.

Old Man

[skunkworks]

I bought the ved and it doesnt work for me. The reasons for this are as follows when im pumping my veins on my penis hurt and my penis goes disfigured ive read all instructions and am doing it properly.

How can your penis 'go disfigured'? If you are following the protocol you should be using the A cylinder, which would not leave any space for your penis to 'go disfigured".

[Noway]

The veins on my penis hurt when im not using the ved and just getting normal erections too. It doesnt matter how much pressure I use with the ved it hurts ive tried I paid 400 dollars for the thing sigh...

[Old Man]

Noway:

Sounds like you might be using too much vacuum pressure. VED therapy is a case where less is much better than more.  Getting a good tight seal around the shaft is the first item in setting up an exercise session. So do the following:

Make sure that you are using plenty lubrication on your shaft as well as in the cylinders when inserting the shaft into the VED. Then make sure that you have a comfortable feeling before starting to pump the cycles.
Practice with using it before starting on the scheduled cycles.

I find that using too much pressure can and will pull the veins "out'' more than normal. This does lead to pain or discomfort with the added pressure. So, try using less pressure to see if the therapy works better for you.

Let us now if you have specific questions about the procedure. We are all here to help in any way possible.

Old Man.

[Noway]

I bought the ved and it doesnt work for me. The reasons for this are as follows when im pumping my veins on my penis hurt and my penis goes disfigured ive read all instructions and am doing it properly.

[Old Man]

BB:

Welcome to the family of VED users for erections! Your experience is just about average for first time users. Suggest that you "practice" using various rings until you find the right tension for you. You need one that will hold up an erection for at least the 30 minute limit. I still use the special rings that came with my Osbon Esteem VED as they present a more comfortable restriction and give the best erection quality. In addition, they are much easier to remove after use. Strongly suggest that you use a bit more lube on the shaft prior to removing the ring(s) yes, if needed you can use more than one ring. Yes, trying to remove the retainers without lube can be a skin raising experience!!!!

These rings are still available from several web sites and also from the current maker of the Osbon VEDs - Timm Medical division of Endocare in MN. The rings cost about $20.00 plus S&H as I recall from my last order. These rings have special features that apply more pressure at a point that does the best job of holding the blood in the erectile chambers.

Another suggestion about getting entry - you might try using a different position that will allow the best angle of entry due to the curve. Takes a bit of doing sometimes, but there are so many positions to try, so do that. There are even sites on the web that give pictures of the various ones, etc.

Thanks for posting your experience and success using the VED for your sexual pleasure!!

Old Man

[BrooksBro]

I had my first intercourse using the VED and constricting ring.  Creating the erection and appling the ring were less disruptive than I thought it would be.  Preparing everything ahead of time and laying it off to the side was key. 

When I practiced applying the largest ring that came with my VED, it was pretty uncomfortable.  Encouraged by the passion of the moment, it was more tolerable in actual use.

Getting the ring off afterwards was difficult because I wiped away all the lubricating fluids.  I won't do that again until after it is off.

With just one experience, I found it more convenient than high dose Viagra, because it is a lot less time-sensitive.  I like the idea of being able to produce a satisfactory erection "on-demand."  I also liked not losing my erection quickly after orgasm.  It felt HUGE to me, but my wife is not sure that it really was (Come on, lie to me, just this once!).  Because of the additional engorgement, the curve seemed more pronounced, and that made entry a little more challenging than usual.

I may look into a ring with lower tension, like the Erecaid B ring.

I am willing to try it a few more times, at least.  <grin>

[BrooksBro]

Thanks for the feedback GS.

At my last visit, the urology resident mentioned testosterone injections rather than topical gel (applied to shoulders).  I expressed concern about the mood swings from once or twice a week injections.  That is why the docs doubled the topical dose, for now.  A friend downplayed the mood swings based on the experience of some of his friends.  At my next visit, I may ask to go that route, from a cost and convenience standpoint.  My hope is that the injectable is less expensive than the topical gel.

My minor BPH symptoms greatly resolved after I lost 50 pounds of weight and started regular exercise.  I just did not know that would lead to "adult-onset athleticism."  I expect the docs will regularly monitor for prostate enlargement, PSA score, and hemoglobin level as long as I am on testosterone replacement. 

[GS]

Brooksbro,

My hormone replacement story is very similar and I really believe in HRT for men of a certain age.

I have been taking testosterone injections for some time, but had started to have a lot of problems with urination do to an enlarged prostate.  I think the injections were compounding my problem, so I stopped the testosterone injections and started using a topical DHT gel which I am applying directly to my penis every morning after my VED therapy.

The DHT gel seems to accomplish the same thing as the testosterone injections, as far as erections are concerned, but I am not having the urination issues so far.

GS

[Old Man]

Brooksbro:

Now you know what controls your libido, huh? Keep it up and you can be jumping her bones for many months and years to come! (No pun intended!)
Just kidding of course, but it does help to be on the light side sometimes.

Old Man

[BrooksBro]

A few weeks of applying 100 mg Testim topical testosterone gel has made all the difference in the world!  WOW!  I feel NORMAL.  I've not felt this good in years.  I seem to concentrate better at work, my mood is WAY up.  Even outside of sex, I just feel great.  I have even had a few spontaneous DAYTIME erections, and several during sleep are routine.  I have had a few nights when I dreamed, and I remembered them.

Feb 24 - testosterone 279, E2 <2, - started on 50 mg Testim daily
May 24 - testosterone 397 - started on 100 mg Testim daily

My wife said the latest testosterone value explains why I have been jumping her bones more lately (couple of times a week).  Well, yeah, like, who else's bones would I be jumpin' but hers, anyway?

My guess is the level could be up to something around 500, or more, by the time I re-"test" in late July.  What ever it is, I LIKE IT.

[BrooksBro]

urologist
http://www.infertility-male.com/ 
http://www.vasectomy-reversals.com/llcv.htm

This is just speculation on my part.  I don't have any test results, such as LH or FSH levels, to know that it is true.  My last test showed estratiol (E2) to be very low.  My daily topical testosterone dose was just increased from 50 to 100 mg.

Has anyone seen my libido lying around somewhere?  I have misplaced it.  I think I may have lost it after my last doctor visit.

The human endocrine system (hormones control nearly every organ) is incredibly complex.  I think applying external testosterone gel (testim) the past few months has signaled my pituitary to release less of the hormone that tells my body to make it's own testosterone.  The result being even less total testosterone.

I'm pretty stunned that the doctor did not tell you this was a possibility, even a probability. Was it prescribed by a GP? or by an endocrinologist?

[skunkworks]

Has anyone seen my libido lying around somewhere?  I have misplaced it.  I think I may have lost it after my last doctor visit.

The human endocrine system (hormones control nearly every organ) is incredibly complex.  I think applying external testosterone gel (testim) the past few months has signaled my pituitary to release less of the hormone that tells my body to make it's own testosterone.  The result being even less total testosterone.

I'm pretty stunned that the doctor did not tell you this was a possibility, even a probability. Was it prescribed by a GP? or by an endocrinologist?

[BrooksBro]

Has anyone seen my libido lying around somewhere?  I have misplaced it.  I think I may have lost it after my last doctor visit.

The human endocrine system (hormones control nearly every organ) is incredibly complex.  I think applying external testosterone gel (testim) the past few months has signaled my pituitary to release less of the hormone that tells my body to make it's own testosterone.  The result being even less total testosterone.

I was quite shocked when I ticked off most of the symptoms from this list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypogonadism

Effects of low testosterone in men may include:
(not all are present in any single individual)

Poor libido (low sexual desire)
Fatigue (medical) always tired
Muscle loss/atrophy
Erectile Dysfunction
Increasing abdominal fat
Glucose intolerance (early diabetes)
High Cholesterol/Lipid
Poor sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Memory Loss-difficulty in choosing words in language
Depression
Anxiety
Psychological and relationship problems
Increase size of chest
Hot flushes
Decrease in growth of, or loss of, beard and body hair
Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
Irritability
Infertility
Shrinking of the testicles
Decrease in firmness of testicles
Frequent urination (polyuria) without infection/waking at night to urinate
Achy muscles
Night sweats
Dry skin and/or cracking nails


Instead of testosterone replacement therapy, I think the better approach may be hCG injections.  This is something I will soon discuss with my urologist.

http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf

[Noway]

 This is why im so angry it is not mental for the last time theres something major wrong with it and trying all viagra,ved, then its something else causing the problems im having. Im going to wait to see if i get prescribed the traction device because I just spent 500 dollars for ved vacuum pump which did nothing for me because its so messed up. Im also not going to waste time to go and see a therapist when I know it wont do a thing because my penis is messed up what will a therapist do exactly? Im not overweight also and eat good portions.

[Skjaldborg]

Last bit of advice I have for Skjaldborg is ive tried sustaining from masterbating plenty of times when your penis is screwed you sustain 100 million times it will still be the same way. Also if you are 24 and you have problems with your penis you will understand life is pretty much over if your older than you wouldnt understand and I dont care how many run on sentences I have.

I am 31 so I know what you are going through. This is no picnic at a young age. I'm just trying to help you out here. I am not saying that this is all mental but I can see from your posts that you are angry, frustrated and feeling hopeless-and these are psychological factors. How much they affect your functioning is up to debate. Nonetheless, once you've exhausted the physical treatments for this disease (VED, pentox, viagra, etc.) you need to treat the mental part. I saw a therapist for several months and it was tremendously helpful. The person I saw had experience with marriage and family therapy as well as experience treating people who had dealt with trauma and sexual issues. If you have health insurance these visits can be had at a reasonable co-pay. If you don't have insurance, try investigating the psychology departments at local universities. On occasion they have reduced cost or free therapy provided by students in their Master's programs. It's worth a shot.

You are right, this disease messes up our young lives but as men we need to do everything we can to keep fighting. Medical treatment, exercise and mental health are all part of the equation.

Best,

Skjaldborg

[skunkworks]

Ive tried everything Skjaldborg but a traction device and my problem isnt psychological at all my penis is screwed period. Masterbating takes forever because its screwed period. My penis is a mess and thats all to say about it. Urologists ive seen its either surgery or its all in my head because of my age or pills. They dont take the time to look to see whats wrong or they dont know whats wrong because there making millions of dollars and are a bunch of dummies. They found something wrong but still are too stupid to see what is wrong. Pills in my case just doesnt cut it F^@% pentox and all of them theres something wrong but when you got a bunch of dummies working together thinking about pills doing the trick and surgery not finding what the problem is then its all in your head!

Considering the content of your posts I find it very hard to believe that your erectile dysfunction is not at least partially mental if only due to the amount of stress and anxiety you seem to be under.

Get yourself properly cardio fit with regular exercise. This will calm you mentally and also help your erections.

Have you had your fasting glucose tested recently?

Why do you need to wait 9 months to see a peyronie's specialist and then buy a traction device? Just buy a traction device.

[lwillisjr]

How can I get ahold of dr.levine and how long will it take before I can see him ? Do I need a doctors request to see him?

You don't need a referral. Simply call the office and make an appointment. If it is your first visit they will also make an appointment for a full color doppler ultrasound as well.

http://urologyspecialists.net/

[Noway]

Last bit of advice I have for Skjaldborg is ive tried sustaining from masterbating plenty of times when your penis is screwed you sustain 100 million times it will still be the same way. Also if you are 24 and you have problems with your penis you will understand life is pretty much over if your older than you wouldnt understand and I dont care how many run on sentences I have.

[Noway]

Ive tried everything Skjaldborg but a traction device and my problem isnt psychological at all my penis is screwed period. Masterbating takes forever because its screwed period. My penis is a mess and thats all to say about it. Urologists ive seen its either surgery or its all in my head because of my age or pills. They dont take the time to look to see whats wrong or they dont know whats wrong because there making millions of dollars and are a bunch of dummies. They found something wrong but still are too stupid to see what is wrong. Pills in my case just doesnt cut it F^@% pentox and all of them theres something wrong but when you got a bunch of dummies working together thinking about pills doing the trick and surgery not finding what the problem is then its all in your head!

[Noway]

How can I get ahold of dr.levine and how long will it take before I can see him ? Do I need a doctors request to see him?

[Noway]

At this point its been like 6 years plus ive had this it seems like they will never figure out the problem and I will never have a working penis... what if they cant figure out whats wrong or cant do anything?

[Skjaldborg]

Noway,

I'm sorry to hear about the setbacks. Are you on pentox? What about L-arginine? I found pentox to be helpful in reducing pain in a matter of months. When my pain was gone, erectile functioning returned to normal; a lot of this is psychological.

Good to hear you're going to a specialist. Get as much information as you can beforehand and ask questions. Write them down if you have to. The specialist may be able to shed more light on the pain and erectile issues. A nine month wait is long but it will be worth it.

One thing you might want to do is take a step back from masturbation. I know it's easy to get overly focused on the changes going on down there (I know I was) but if masturbation isn't making you feel good, why do it? Wait a few days or a week to get your mind off of it. Life isn't over at 24, even with this disease. Meantime, try exercise or a hobby.

-Skjald

Last bit of advice: it makes it hard for others to help you if we can't read your post. Try to use more punctuation and fewer run-on sentences. 

[Noway]

Well I went to my uro and he got me the ring with the ved which the ved doesnt work Ive been trying it for weeks off and on the reasons why it doesnt work for me it hurts on the side where I believe the plague or damage is my veins hurt really badly and its not because im pumping too much the veins have always hurt me I dont know whats wrong with them or how I could of damaged them. The other thing that happens is my penis tightens up and goes deformed. Ive tried levitra and viagra 100mg it gets me hard but when I masterbate or anything in 5 seconds it goes down on me. Ive tried everything but traction so I went to see my uro the only decent one so far ive seen 4 and he is sending me to a peyronies disease specialist I got to wait 9 months sigh... Theres also a couple of new things popping up like my urethra is lumpy and weaker in one section I dont know if thats anything but I think I broke my penis and have urethral damage which could happen because when I masterbate and reach orgasm it drips out. Reaching orgasm is hard for me I sit there forever trying to finish alot of the times. I never get morning erections anymore like I used to all the time. Sometimes I go like 4 days without getting an erection all that happens is I get horny without an erection. I have a downward curve and a slight curve to the left. Also when im done masterbating my penis will stay slightly hard and my veins will be huge and my urethra will be larger at the bottom of it. Also I only get erections sitting down not lieing down or standing up. Im 24 years old and it really sucks. I know this post is a mess its mostly points.

[snowydreams]

Look up the potential downside of Fava beans before eating them. Talk about potential side effects!

I have been eating them my whole life and haven't noticed any side effects and they are very high in L-Dopamine, which plays in role in improving erectile function.  Combine them with chickpeas(which are high in L-Arginine) and olive oil(high in Vitamin E) and garlic(a natural vasodilator) and you got a natural Viagra.

[Tim468]

snowydreams,

Look up the potential downside of Fava beans before eating them. Talk about potential side effects!

Tim

[snowydreams]

What role does L-Dopamine play in improving erectile function and is it possible that eating fava beans(which are high in L-Dopamine) can improve erectile function?

[snowydreams]

Can testicular or perineal(of the perineum) pain, discomfort or conditions(other than cancer) cause erectile dysfunction or affect erectile function?

[cowboyfood]

CBK,

Without pointing to any authority, yes, it's natural for spontaneous erections to become less frequent as one ages; and, for a man to reach a point to require some physical stimulation to obtain and maintain an erection.

That being said, and as you know from this forum, the physical and mental mechanics of obtaining an erection are to say the least complex and miraculous IMO.

Never underestimate the psychological involvement in the process.  I'm inferring from your post that now is not a time when you should expect many if any spontaneous erections because you're so "aware" of the phenomenon...Your description of "focusing" reminds me of when I was in a very similar situation about a year ago...I couldn't buy an erection...

. . . It freaked me out completely (these 5 words completely understate my mental condition at that time; and what makes things worse if you're in this predicament is that the more you focus, concentrate, worry, etc., about it then it becomes even more improbable that you will get an erection... a vicious unwanted cycle)...

If worried about your erection while trying to obtain one, then age is not the issue IMO...I think I realized that there is definitely something like MENTAL venous leakage...as opposed the the physical venous leakage.

...but, that's not the case anymore.

IMO, my VED usage not only made me healthier because of the blood flow, but it also helped sort of "boot-strap" my psychological state to a point where spontaneous erections were much more frequent.  

CF

[ComeBacKid]

Jackp,

I know I have venous leakage, after being on anti depressants, combined with peyronies, I don't get many erections at all per day, I still have a sex drive though.  Not getting erections is bad for peyronies, as you don't oxygenate the tissue.  I try to masterbate/massage an erection twice per day. Once in the morning and once at night.  Even as I massage an erection, it takes focus and effort to keep it hard.  The pentox I'm on has helped it "fill up" properly, so this is a good thing.  I can't just keep an erection like a porn star though, if I'm not constantly massage my penis, it will "deflate" or be "thin" not really filled up, this is from the venous leakage.  My question is more for you older guys, how many spontaneous erections did you get in your mid twenties, when I was 16  seemed like I always had an erection, almost to much being in school all day!  Now I get very few and I'm not sure if thats natural, or the peyronies and anti depressants killed them. 

Comebackid

[jackp]

ComeBack

It has been a long time since my mid 20's but I can tell you this. Check your medication and supplements and see if any have any sexual side effects.

Then find a good male sexual function specialist. It could be you have early stages of venous leakage. It could also be caused by the anxiety of peyronies.

Good Luck

Jackp

[ComeBacKid]

Is it normal for someone in their mid twenties to only get one or two spontaneous erections per day?  I used to get many more at age 18, like 5-8 per day, and can't tell if its from age or peyronies that my frequency is so much less, somedays I may get one erection if that, and we know that spontaneous erections are good for oxygentation of the penis.

Comebackid

[BrooksBro]

Thanks.  I have high confidence that Larry Lipschultz is the right doc.  He is the urology department head at Baylor college of medicine in Houston.  Levine has mentioned Lipschultz in some of his lectures, and they appear to be on the same page with treatment.  I usually see one of the docs in the urology residency program first, and then Lipschultz.  I can't explain how he missed this one, especially since he was the one who mentioned the possibility of needing an estrogen blocker.  Perhaps the phlebotomist didn't order the correct test based on the doc's verbal order.  I see my usual internal medicine doc in a few weeks.  He discovered and is treating my hypothyroidism.  I have also considered seeking out an endocrine specialist.  Fifty percent of all physicians finished in the bottom half of their graduating class, and all of them are only "practicing" medicine.

BrooksBro, after a long time researching and reading up on the whole testosterone issue, I think I can confidently say, if you're interested in TRT and you're going to a doctor who doesn't know to check E2 (or has to be talked into it), you need to find a different doctor.  I'd consider finding a doc in your area who does this routinely, if you can.  It's not easy.

[Nemo]

BrooksBro, after a long time researching and reading up on the whole testosterone issue, I think I can confidently say, if you're interested in TRT and you're going to a doctor who doesn't know to check E2 (or has to be talked into it), you need to find a different doctor.  T and E2 are so interrelated that it's like throwing darts with a blindfold if you don't know both.  Your topical T could be getting conversted to E2, driving your E2 sky high and that could be the problem.  In that case, you'd need a drug to keep E2 down so you could get the benifit of the T you do have.  You just have to know both.

I'd consider finding a doc in your area who does this routinely, if you can.  It's not easy.

Good luck,
Nemo

[BrooksBro]

I was highly disappointed in my lab results.  After more than a month on topical testosterone gel, my testosterone went DOWN by 4%, from 291-279.  The doctor did not order the E2 (Estradiol) level as I expected.  His only comment was that I may need a dose adjustment. Ya THINK?!

I have been extra careful to take nightime Viagra on an empty stomach and 30-60 minutes before my last meal of the day.  That and oral grape seed extract results in more frequent night time erections.

I learned that eating a very low fat diet (< 20%) may contribute to endocrine (thyroid, testosterone, and insulin) problems.  I find it is far easier to cut out fat (buy everything marked low fat) than it is to add healthy fat, and not go crazy on total calories.  Eating a "low fat diet" may not be all that healthy, nor necessarily help you to lose weight.  Eating a lower saturated fat diet (< 60 mg) is OK, so long as the total fat is above 20%.  Of course, eliminating trans fats is wise.

I see my regular doctor next month, and I will review this with him.  Perhaps I can persuade him to check the E2 level, and I can report those results to my urologist in May.