ED - Erectile Dysfunction (Started August 2005)

[skunkworks]

So I was just wondering if you guys with peyronies get bad erections all the time or if sometimes there good.

I had bad erections for awhile, but they are really quite good now. I'd say better than before injury, if I disregard the dent.

Meds etc will help, but go do some weight and interval training. Get your fitness up and you will find the quality of your erections increases ten fold.

[Noway]

 I read this site about tms Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome. www.healthystrokes.com is the website it talks about masterbating prone in the wrong fashion. So if your having trouble ejaculating or even soft erections you should check out the site maybe you have a little bit of this.

[Tim468]

The traumatic masturbation syndrome is a made up thing by a whack job (so to speak) with unique theories. It has not been verified in any independent manner. It MAY apply (validly) to virginal males with little sexual experience who masturbate facedown with the penis facing south instead of north. The problems they suffer, though, may be due to their limited sexuality, psychological issues, or emotional immaturity - instead of the position they use to masturbate. The TMS simply does not satnd up as a "real" disorder and is no so llisted in any DSM manual.

Take what you find or read on any of those sites that talk about it with a grain of salt.

Wayne posted about this a year ago and some digging by others here cleared that up.

Just FYI.

Tim

For a balanced discussion of this try: http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/question/traumatic-masturbatory-syndrome-information

[chiguy]

On my end, both good news and bad news. The good news is the pain has relatively subsided for good. On some days, there is no pain, and other days, maybe a 1 or 2 out of 10.

The bad news is I think I am beginning to develop some type of erectile dysfunction. I can get an erection only thru constant stimulation and everything is normal. If I am not stimulated, I cannot maintain an erection. I don't have my appointment with Dr. Levine for 3 weeks so if there are any suggestions, let me know.

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced a reduction in pain coinciding with the inability to maintain an erection. Like I said, I can get an erection, just have to stimulate constantly or it will go away.

Thanks!

[snowydreams]

Are there foods or liquids which can improve erectile dysfunction or act as vasodilators?  Since the ED associated with Peyronies is tissue-related, can the oral-treatments, which are also used to treat Peyronies, help with the ED?

[Noway]

Well I still have the same problems but no lesions. My problems are as follows lump on the left side of my penis, indentation on my urethra, when I masterbated I lose my erection lenth, bend downwards and looking down at my erection sorta looks like a S curve. Im not sure what to do now Ive went back to my family doctor hes sending me to another urologist but it seems like they dont know much and cant really help me what should I do?

[chiguy]

Several weeks ago, I began to worry about potential ED. Part of it may have been mental. I began taking 1 500 mg pill of l-arginine in the morning and 1 500 mg pill of l-arginine in the evening. I also drink one glass of pure pomegranate juice per day as it is an anti oxidant.

In my case, any vestage of ED has been cured. I often wake up with an erection and the erections I do have are superb. Of course, this hasn't done anything to really help the curavture or plaque, but it has alleviated the mental part of the problem.

My suggestion is to use a lot of anti oxidants such as pomegranate juice, cucumber, peanut butter and start taking l-arginine supplements.

A lot of forum members take 2000 mgs of l-arginine daily, but 1000 has proven just fine for me.

[Noway]

I forgot to add I have burning sensation on the side of the penis where the lump is off and on.  

[Skjaldborg]

Are there foods or liquids which can improve erectile dysfunction or act as vasodilators?  Since the ED associated with Peyronies is tissue-related, can the oral-treatments, which are also used to treat Peyronies, help with the ED?

L-Arginine and Pentoxifylline were once used as conservative treatments for ED. Conservative means they didn't always work well to treat ED. L-arginine may have some benefit in encouraging morning erections, pentox maybe, but that's not what pentox was designed to do. If you are having ED problems, go see a urologist. Prescription medications may or may not be necessary. It may be mental rather than physical. Go see a urologist to find out for sure.

-Skjald

[Skjaldborg]

Well I still have the same problems but no lesions. My problems are as follows lump on the left side of my penis, indentation on my urethra, when I masterbated I lose my erection lenth, bend downwards and looking down at my erection sorta looks like a S curve. Im not sure what to do now Ive went back to my family doctor hes sending me to another urologist but it seems like they dont know much and cant really help me what should I do?

A lump may be a Peyronie's lesion. Pain, indentation and penile shortening may be signs of Peyronie's Disease. Go see a urologist or a male sexual health specialist physician. Ask them about starting pentoxifylline. If you are having erectile problems, ask about trying medications for ED.

One thing you can do for yourself is to read up on the information found in the forums. The "Highlights" areas are good places to start. Those areas may have already answered your questions. If you don't find an answer there, ask away.

-Skjald

[Noway]

Well I still have the same problems but no lesions. My problems are as follows lump on the left side of my penis, indentation on my urethra, when I masterbated I lose my erection lenth, bend downwards and looking down at my erection sorta looks like a S curve. Im not sure what to do now Ive went back to my family doctor hes sending me to another urologist but it seems like they dont know much and cant really help me what should I do?

A lump may be a Peyronie's lesion. Pain, indentation and penile shortening may be signs of Peyronie's Disease. Go see a urologist or a male sexual health specialist physician. Ask them about starting pentoxifylline. If you are having erectile problems, ask about trying medications for ED.

One thing you can do for yourself is to read up on the information found in the forums. The "Highlights" areas are good places to start. Those areas may have already answered your questions. If you don't find an answer there, ask away.

-Skjald

           Ive tried levitra and viagra bothed worked but I have trouble ejaculating  which I think it has to do with lump. I got tested for lesions and it came up negative. I can get good erections sometimes but then I cant finish.

[jackp]

Noway

What kinds of meds are you on? Medication for high blood pressure, heart problems, antidepressants and others can case your problem.

It could also be from back surgery or back problems with the nerves.

If the problem is with the nerves in the glans sometimes daily 5mg of Cialis will help. Blood thinners also help but you do not want to go there unless you have a heart condition that requires blood thinner.

Jackp

[Noway]

Noway

What kinds of meds are you on? Medication for high blood pressure, heart problems, antidepressants and others can case your problem.

It could also be from back surgery or back problems with the nerves.

If the problem is with the nerves in the glans sometimes daily 5mg of Cialis will help. Blood thinners also help but you do not want to go there unless you have a heart condition that requires blood thinner.

Jackp

Im 23 years old im not on any medication right now. I do get a sore back sometimes but Its because of the kind of work I do. Im in really good shape but my erections are just not good its very depressing. I could ask to try cialis when I go see the next urologist that sais my problem is all in my head. Is there a way to straighten out the shorter side of my penis to deminish plague? I also have 2 hard veins on my penis im wondering what that could be...

[jackp]

Noway

At your age the 5mg daily Cialis should help. Your urologist should have a coupon for a free months trial if not go to www.cialis.com and download the coupon.

As for the veins I do not have any clue, talk to your doctor.

Jackp

[Noway]

If your penis curves to the left like the bottom theres an indent how can you straighten out the shorter side to equal the longer side?

[chiguy]

I'm not sure of the mechanics, but for an indentation, they usually do a grafting. If there is no plaque, I'm not really sure how it works. Some of the forum members have had plication surgery for the same problem. They can explain it most likely.

[Noway]

I'm not sure of the mechanics, but for an indentation, they usually do a grafting. If there is no plaque, I'm not really sure how it works. Some of the forum members have had plication surgery for the same problem. They can explain it most likely.

 Yeah but is there anything besides surgery that would help?

[Noway]

So i went to see this new urologist in town and he seems to better than my past ones and he sais he doesnt feel any scarring on my penis that my penis has a problem of trapping the blood and getting erections so hes letting me try penile pump which im kinda sketchy on.

[chiguy]

Did you ever have a penile doppler ultrasound? That's really the only way to determine scarring and/or venous leakage.

[jackp]

Noway

The VED board has lots of information on using the VED (penis pump). Those of us that use that will be glad to assist you. Old Man is the best on this subject.

Jackp

[mischelstraus]

Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called "impotence," is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Generic Cialis is an ED treatment which contains the same active ingredient as Cialis brand. Generic Cialis is a very popular ed treatment, used to assist men achieve an erection. Erectile dysfunction, is a medical condition that interrupts achieving an erection or having sex. With Cialis, or generic Cialis, men can enjoy a healthy sex life.


Hyperlink removed by moderator as per forum rules.

[cowboyfood]

are you an affiliate of the pharmacy?

[BrooksBro]

My initial excitement with improved testosterone level (Testim topical gel) lasted less than a week.  At my 30-day follow up this week, my urologist ordered blood work looking specifically at my estrogen levels.  

This article was an eye opener for me (emphasis added).  I do not yet know if this is my situation, but increasing my testosterone level may have resulted in increased estrogen, negating the desired effects on erections from raising my testosterone level.  Most of the aromatase inhibitors are banned materials in Olympic athletes, so I guess that dream is gone, if the doc prescribes such for me.  LOL  

While awaiting my test results, I am considering grape seed extract drops (resveratrol), a potent botanical aromatase inhibitor with a lot fewer calories than red wine, and much lower cost than the Rx meds.  

http://www.sandiegosexualmedicine.com/index.php?page=male/sexual-medicine-treatments/aromatase-inhibitor-therapy

Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

Aromatase inhibitor therapy may be helpful for some men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Aromatase is an enzyme, especially found in the liver, ovary and adipose tissue, required for the conversion of androgens to estrogens. Specifically, aromatase is responsible for the conversion of the androgens androstenedione and testosterone into the estrogens estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2), respectively. In women, the great majority of testosterone is converted to estradiol and estrone, whereas in men, most of the testosterone stays as testosterone, and only a small percentage is converted to estradiol and estrone.

Aromatase inhibitors prevent the action of the enzyme aromatase. Thus, in the presence of an aromatase inhibitor, the body produces less estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) and maintains a higher level of testosterone. Aromatase inhibitors have been traditionally used as second-line therapy (after tamoxifen) for the treatment of breast cancer, tumors that usually depend on estrogen for growth.

In men, the effect of 2.5 mg of the aromatase inhibior letrozole suppressed plasma estradiol to concentrations less than 50% of pretreatment values after 2 days, with recovery to approximately pretreatment values after 6 days. These decreases were accompanied by increased gonadotrophin (luteininzing hormone - LH and follicle stimulating hormone - FSH) concentrations, with resultant increases of approximately 50% in plasma testosterone.

In men, aromatase activity appears to increase with age. This is particularly so in men with a high body mass index. Increased aromatase activity in men results in conversion of testosterone into higher levels of estradiol. This is especially a problem if men are taking exogenous testosterone (intramuscular testosterone enanthate or cypionate, or topical 1% testosterone as a hydroalcolic gel) for treatment of hypogonadism. Under such conditions, raising the testosterone in a man with a high aromatase level will elevate the serum estradiol. It is controversial but several investigators believe that elevated estradiol values in men are responsible, in part, for causing persistence of many of the symptoms of "androgen insufficiency", despite receiving testosterone treatment. Some investigators also believe that higher estradiol values are associated with prostate enlargement and there is increasing discussion of the role of estrogen in abnormal prostate tissue growth. High levels of estrogen are also thought to result in male hair loss.

Thus there appears to be a role ("off-label" as it concerns FDA government indications) in the use of aromatase inhibitors in some men with sexual dysfunction and elevated estradiol values.

[Tim468]

Very interesting link - and very useful information! Thanks!

Tim

[jpl]

6 weeks ago I had excision and grafting surgery.
Since then.
Things are getting better.
All bruising is gone.
Most all soreness is gone.
Still some minor soreness at graft area.
And slight soreness at circumcise area.
Erections are regular.
But not ridgit and fully firm.

My question is, for those who have had this surgery.
Did anyone experience the same situation?
Just wondering, if that's the norm?

I am overall happy with the results of this surgery.
And, was informed that it would take awhile, for a full recovery.
Maybe I'm being a little anxious.
But, I can't help but wonder.

[snowydreams]

Does DHEA help Peyronie's and the erectile dysfunction associated with it and is it safe to take as I have read that it has serious side effects?

[Tim468]

"Does DHEA help Peyronie's and the erectile dysfunction associated with it and is it safe to take as I have read that it has serious side effects?"

Don't know if DHEA helps. It makes sense that it *could* help, like may chemicals, drugs and supplements, but I have not heard of any reports that it does.

Tim

[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.

[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]

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.

[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

[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]

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

[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

[snowydreams]

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

[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?

[Tim468]

snowydreams,

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

Tim

[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.

[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.

[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]

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?

[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]

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]

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.

[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/

[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.  

[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

[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.

[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

[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?