Going On Year 4 With PFS - Seeking Advice

[Flexwheeler]

PFS (Post Finasteride Syndrome) myself started @ 25 after discontinuing Propecia.
In my marriage from age 27 till 38 I still could get away sexually without using pills. Not having to use a condom was helping me. But it was not a dime of my sexual performance before PFS.
After marriage things went downhill. Had some encounters and a 1 year relation, but I had to rely on pills.
Then @ age 39/40, thing went gradually worser. Pill became a hit and miss. Tried TRT, and that was a temporary fix. I had for a time good results with intermittent fasting and after that with vitamin D3, but it seems like there is also a temporary uprise and after that the body goes back in homeostase.
Now @ almost 46 I have decide I will go for the implant. I think it's still a decision between two bad things. Having ED or having an artificial object in your penis and scrotum, with the risks, revisions, etc. From what I read here, over the years!, the last choice would give me the most happy life. Don't wanna avoid sexual encounters anymore. And don't wanna visit the Propeciaforum with all the negativity. I have no faith that there will be a cure for PFS in the next 10 years.

Also what helps me with other parts of PFS is living a very healthy life. For me it's quitting most sugar, eating low carb and high fat. 3 times a week a hour, mostly compounds, workout. Focussing on positive things, avoiding negative people.

Good luck with your decision!

[SwissTalk]

I have a similar story. Finasteride user for years with no side effects and great sexual function. Then after years suddenly ED. Perplexed doctors and tried various treatment options with no improvement. Viagra worked at first, but after a year I needed the max dose and even that became hit and miss with feverish side effects. Injections were added, painful, logistical nightmare, mood killer and also with diminishing effect. Eventually I took the plunge and went for the implant. My doctor was Dr. Hakky and I was very happy with him as a doctor and the result. Don't know why he doesn't get that many props compared to Clavell.

To go for the implant wasn't an easy step to take at my younger age, but so far (7 months since the operation) it was the best decision ever. I have great sex again and for as long and as often as I want. My thoughts no longer revolve around ED for 24/7 and I no longer feel inferior. Of course there are minor things that are annoying and could be better, but there is absolutely no comparison to my situation before the implant, which was characterized by frustration and self-doubt. I hope my implant lasts a long time, then I'll be a happy man.

I find it hard to tell someone: do it! Like Hakky said to me "I can't walk in your shoes". I personally would do it again in a heartbeat. Good luck with your journey! Send me a pm if you want to talk from pfs to pfs victim.

PS: They should sell finasteride as rat poison. As much side effects as the drug has, it would destroy the rat population easily. If you know someone who is using or planning to use Finasteride/Propecia, please tell them not to! They are going to mess with their health.

[Old Guy]

I appreciate this response and completely agree. My sentiment would be different if I were in a relationship and able to plan sex. It's the spontaneity of dating that seems so daunting with medications. Having to pump and inflate brings on other issues but most seem to able to do it with without their partner knowing.

Inflation on the sly will be the easiest of issues to solve. Know a guy who is close to 2 years out, his g/f still doesn't know. All I know is she keeps coming back for more.

[Mark1974]

I wonder what the connection is?

Do you think it effected your testosterone and the lower testosterone caused cavernosal atrophy?

[runaway11]

I wonder what the connection is?

Do you think it effected your testosterone and the lower testosterone caused cavernosal atrophy?

There is a lot of research being done to try to figure out what is happening and why. They have found persistant overexpression of the androgen receptor and significant deregulation of gene expressions. Finasteride prevents the conversion from testosterone to DHT which most likely causes tissue damage and penile vascular abnormalities.

[runaway11]

I appreciate this response and completely agree. My sentiment would be different if I were in a relationship and able to plan sex. It's the spontaneity of dating that seems so daunting with medications. Having to pump and inflate brings on other issues but most seem to able to do it with without their partner knowing.

Inflation on the sly will be the easiest of issues to solve. Know a guy who is close to 2 years out, his g/f still doesn't know. All I know is she keeps coming back for more.

This is crazy! I could imagine getting by for a few weeks or months but going 2 years with out your significant other knowing must take some skill.

[runaway11]

PFS (Post Finasteride Syndrome) myself started @ 25 after discontinuing Propecia.
In my marriage from age 27 till 38 I still could get away sexually without using pills. Not having to use a condom was helping me. But it was not a dime of my sexual performance before PFS.
After marriage things went downhill. Had some encounters and a 1 year relation, but I had to rely on pills.
Then @ age 39/40, thing went gradually worser. Pill became a hit and miss. Tried TRT, and that was a temporary fix. I had for a time good results with intermittent fasting and after that with vitamin D3, but it seems like there is also a temporary uprise and after that the body goes back in homeostase.
Now @ almost 46 I have decide I will go for the implant. I think it's still a decision between two bad things. Having ED or having an artificial object in your penis and scrotum, with the risks, revisions, etc. From what I read here, over the years!, the last choice would give me the most happy life. Don't wanna avoid sexual encounters anymore. And don't wanna visit the Propeciaforum with all the negativity. I have no faith that there will be a cure for PFS in the next 10 years.

Also what helps me with other parts of PFS is living a very healthy life. For me it's quitting most sugar, eating low carb and high fat. 3 times a week a hour, mostly compounds, workout. Focussing on positive things, avoiding negative people.

Good luck with your decision!

Same here. I was on TRT and HCG for about 6 months each. When I first started taking them I had increased libido and erections for a few days but those positive results quickly went away. I agree that the lifestyle changes are most important. Good sleep and clean diet are key. I was in marathon shape until I recently tore my miniscus (not sure if PFS is taking a toll on my joints) and I lift and swing heavy kettlebells nearly every day. Having an implant is not ideal but it's the only thing that I've found that could bring back some semblance of a normal life.

I applaud your for taking the leap and wish you the best of luck!

[Jonarr]

Hi I appreciate most of the replies on here are positive but I would offer a slightly opposing view. Overall I do not regret the decision to be implanted, but there are many disadvantages and my experience is quality of sex, length, sensitivity, feelings of comfort in groin area have all been negatively impacted by the implant. About 10% of people implanted are dissatisfied and of course there are the nightmare stories you hear about the unlucky minority who experience repeated mechanical breakdowns or revisions. A difficult decision that really comes down to the individual’s appetite for risk

[Markc2008]

I am living a similar lifestyle as you at 40. My condition is from pssd though which I feel like has similar ties. I’m doing pills and injections to get by but really considering an implant myself. It’s like I lost the connection to my penis along with low sensation and extremely low arousal. I used to be above average I felt like in the bedroom and now I’m a mere shell of my old self.

[Markc2008]

I’ve been like this for five years since stopping an ssri.