ED tied to Low T - Seeking Information

[dcmusc]

So following up on this thread. As it turns out, recent bloodwork and me referring back to me records showed that I tanked my estrogen shortly after my priapism. And I tanked it for almost two months. Went off Anastrozole and overshot the accepted limits within a week. So finally, went on my original protocol (200mg cyp/creme/.25 anastrozole 3x per week). Starting last Monday, suddenly hard erections at night, and this week erections during sex and masturbation have improved. No quite throbbing, but 90%. I also recognize that there is a mental component associated with the new found fear that I might not get an erection, and that can shoot me down even when things are going well. That one is tough to overcome, but I think I might have achieved some success there.

For me now, the challenge is that I am scheduled for an implant on August 23. My original thinking was that I just didn't want to worry about erections and spend anytime not enjoying sex anymore. However, this sudden change in my abilities has got me thinking. I have until Wednesday to make up my mind and post pone. I am not going to give up TRT and my GP has advised that there will be small tweaks to my protocol going forward as I age. I also admit, I am likely in the best shape of my life and don't want to give that up. Quite frankly, I think my mental outlook on all of this would have been much worse were I not on TRT. I am also positive, that at some point painting the sex life I have will necessitate an implant. Plain and simple, I love to fuck, a lot. M

My surgeon is aware that I maintain some function. And one of the reasons that I wanted to get to an implant sooner than later was that I wanted to reduce my chances of size loss (if and implant was going to be inevitable) and anecdotally stories of guys that sometimes maintain some natural function (morning wood, initial blood flow for erections, etc.). I am not counting on that, but it did enter my thought process.

Anyway, getting close to final decision time. I don't know if this helps you guys, maybe I am looking for you to help me. Thanks for these posts by the way, it helps when you can talk to another guy about this that isn't wearing a lab coat.

[Flannigan]

DCMUSC...I am facing an almost identical scenario. Over the past 3 months I have really been trying to find out the root cause of my ED. I do still maintain some decent function and can still masturbate with a lot of stimulation but actually fucking my girlfriend without some help from either pills or an injection is very rare. I had an elevated estradiol and low T. I started using the Anastrozole and my T level went to 553. Started Androgel and my T level went to 1020 but my ED still persisted. My uro told me to stop using the Androgel and just stick with the Anastrozole so my low hanging fruit can start producing more testosterone on their own. I have recently started using injections and they have been working well. I did ask my uro about an implant because I too do not want to lose anymore size. I think I have already lost like 3/4 inch just from not being able to use it for so long and I don't want to be any smaller than 6". He told me to not even consider it at this point since it is irreversible. He feels that with some tweaking to my hormone levels that I might be able to return to some decent function. We'll see. I must say though that me and the girlfriend are enjoying the Trimix injections and 3 hours of great sex . An implant might be in my future but for now I am going to follow my doctors instructions. But that's just me.

Good luck
Flannigan

[DaveKell]

Years ago a urologist told me increasing T levels rarely helps with ED in most men. I got my family doctor to put me on weekly injections anyway and have been doing it for 3 or 4 years. In that time I've not had successful sex one time, even though I get hard ons at night and usually every morning. I could jack off with them in a manner of speaking. They never stayed fully hard and I got used to cumming with a somewhat limp dick. Still, I held out hope. None of the pills helped at all. Injections were a total failure. Eight years ago a urologist first suggested being implanted. I thought it was a crazy idea since I could still get hard on my own. Years of failed attempts with my wife made it clear it was only going to keep getting worse. About 3 weeks ago I got implanted. I've already inflated myself ahead of my actual appointment for activation and couldn't be more thrilled. If I had done it 8 years ago I would've been having sex for all those years with a reliable hard on. I've cut my T injection dosage in half just to maintain the improved energy level, but I'd suggest you consider something else besides hormone adjustment as a fix for the ED issues you are having. I likened my T level at its highest to being like a 60's VW bug with a Kenworth 18 wheeler diesel engine. A lot of power but in a container that couldn't do a damn thing with it.

[Flannigan]

Davekell....yes...I have read a lot of your posts. Some good stories and some good humor and congrats on the new bionic cannon. Hope it works great for you and can't wait to hear about your maiden voyage with it. As far as the T level goes...I have had the same experience as most other dudes reported on this site. Increasing your T level in 90% of the cases does nothing for the ED. It just blows my mind that we as men can get rock hard erections at night with increased T level but still can't do a damn thing when a smoking hot girl is lying next to you with a sopping wet pussy. I just don't get it. I know it comes from a different part of the brain but you would think we would be able to connect the two and go to work. ED just sucks. I will continue to use the Trimix for now as it has been very effective but I will keep the inplant in my mind as an option. Enjoy playing with your new toy.

[dcmusc]

DaveKell and Flannigan,
Thanks for both of your posts. Dave, I absolutely know where you are coming from. It is pretty shocking to me that I can get erections at night and in the morning, and still have this issue. Even though this week seems to be on an upturn, I have to remember that I have been here before. I think that is the primary reason I am pursuing the implant. Over the last 6 to 7 years I have had periods where for lack of a better term, I lost my mojo. Then, it would come back. TRT has definitely be a factor, both good and bad.

This has been the worst period, two months almost total loss of function. But as you said, TRT is not going to fix the ED. And I don't want to waste time when I could be having sex.

[Flannigan]

DCMUSC...are you currently using pills or injections ? Are they working for you ? Also, have you had any serious illness or other main factor that would cause your ED or do you know what might be the root cause for your ED ? I am the same age as you and in good health and had no major health issues but my ED started when I was about 47 and I can't figure out why. It's been quite upsetting. You just feel like less of a man. I just feel like I should be having this problem at my age. ED just sucks but then again life aint fair.
Flannigan

[dcmusc]

Flannigan,
Have used Trimix sparingly, seems that anything more then 2 units or .02 ml and I am at risk for priapism. Cialis really doesn't seem to do anything now, used it pretty extensively for about 2 years.. From a health standpoint, I am pretty good. Non-smoker, moderate drink. Work out 4 - 5 times per week, pretty muscular guy. I have my cholesterol under control, but it will go high. Was on statins for 7 years and came off using Niacin. My lipid profile is better on Niacin than on the statin and no aches. I did have pneumonia in beginning of 2015. They ran a test of my arteries and veins because they initially thought heart attack , turned out my circulatory system and cardio function are great.

So they only physiological reasons for my ED are hormonal, that we can track. And again, scrupulous monitoring doesn't prevent the ED. At this point, a definitive cause and remedy have not been found other than that.

[Flannigan]

DC...thanks for the reply. Seems like we are in the same boat. Ya...the Trimix is a bit scary. I don't use anymore than 1 unit and even then sometimes I will be hard for 5 -6 hours. I guess it depends on the injection site. ED is a weird thing. It's unbelievable to me that a 75 year old dude with some health issues can still get a usable erection but then a 47 year old bloke with no noticeable health issues has a limp dick. You really do start to wonder if it's all in your head like a couple of doctors told me. All I know is that is pisses me off and I want to know why this is happening. And the fact that it's still a mystery to the medical world really makes me wonder. I will be curious to hear how everything goes for you in the coming months. I wish you good health and a speedy recovery so you can get back to doing what we should be doing.
Cheers
Flanningan

[dcmusc]

Flannigan,
Yeah, I hear ya. It defies logic. Trust me, the first urologist I saw basically said, "I don't want to say its in your head, but...". And to an extent, she is right. I mean at this point, sure, its impossible for it not to be. But I know damn well that the first time this happened, it was not what I was worrying about. And I will say, I have had a pretty active sex life, so just the law of averages, blah, blah, blah. I just want the most a definitive solution that disrupts my life in the most minimal way possible. I am not sure I even care why it happened at this point, because that doesn't seem to lead to a definite solution. I also don't want to go through all of this for a momentary reprieve and come back to it again. Will let you know what I decide and how it goes.

[Larry10625]

DCMUSC...I am facing an almost identical scenario. Over the past 3 months I have really been trying to find out the root cause of my ED. I do still maintain some decent function and can still masturbate with a lot of stimulation but actually fucking my girlfriend without some help from either pills or an injection is very rare. I had an elevated estradiol and low T. I started using the Anastrozole and my T level went to 553. Started Androgel and my T level went to 1020 but my ED still persisted. My uro told me to stop using the Androgel and just stick with the Anastrozole so my low hanging fruit can start producing more testosterone on their own. I have recently started using injections and they have been working well. I did ask my uro about an implant because I too do not want to lose anymore size. I think I have already lost like 3/4 inch just from not being able to use it for so long and I don't want to be any smaller than 6". He told me to not even consider it at this point since it is irreversible. He feels that with some tweaking to my hormone levels that I might be able to return to some decent function. We'll see. I must say though that me and the girlfriend are enjoying the Trimix injections and 3 hours of great sex . An implant might be in my future but for now I am going to follow my doctors instructions. But that's just me.

Good luck
Flannigan

DCMUSC
Your original idea was good thinking. Your doctor, although not wrong, is stating the obvious. A vasectomy is permanent too... that's the fucking whole idea. If you want an implant, than go for it. If you have been having problems this long, chances are that they will just get worse. Just my opinion from the cheap seats. I would explain your rationale to your doctor plus the MANY instances of loss of size from the gentlemen that are members here. It's your body, do with it what you please.

Larry