Information overload!

[Geometer]

As a new member, the website strikes me as a daunting wall of information. Of course, it is good to have a lot of information available, but I am realizing this is going to take hours of using the search bar to benefit from it.

Having worked on mechanical projects, I have made use of trouble shooting trees that suggest solutions to problems starting with the simplest, and progressing to the complex as necessary. I wonder if there is something similar on this website?

I understand people aren't overly enthusiastic to comment an awful lot on new member's introductions, until the new member has vetted themselves by doing their own research. However, I will offer the following info about myself so that when I post on topics, anyone who is curious about my background can find it and refer back to it.

I am 66. I have had symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia for a few years. But then I stopped getting erections all at once, like somebody flipped a switch.

I was familiar with a Urologist I was comfortable with from an unrelated issue. (Kind of silly - my GP said my testicles were too big, and I should consult urologist. Urologist concluded that yes, I have large testicles.) Anyway, back to me recent visit. I had a Viagra prescription from a GP that did not help. This Urologist prescribed Cialis, which maybe helps a little. Maybe.

Beyond that, the Urologist discussed vacuum pumps and rubber bands. He glossed over implants, but maybe because I wasn't very receptive to the idea at that time. I don't recall discussing injections. He did not discuss Levitra. I asked about losing weight and exercising, and he said of course that is a good idea, but didn't seem optimistic.

Anyway, the overall tone was "You can try taking these pills, but the problem is age, and you may have to get used to the idea your erections are a thing of the past. A month after, I got a letter announcing his retirement. So it may be he is just worn out on Urology.

There will be a visit to a new Urologist in my future.

I take Lisinopril for high blood pressure. Atorvastatin for cholesterol. Fish oil and Glucosamine/Chondroitin.

You know, I am ashamed to admit that proofreading this info makes it fairly obvious I should get on an exercise program for my overall health, and maybe that would restore erections. But that is easier said than done. Similar to substance abuse, some people can change, some never overcome their struggles. This gives me an idea for my next post. Thanks for reading.

[bldoink]

Well welcome to the forum.

I think it's worth giving injections a try. They work well for quite a few guys.

Absolutely lose weight if you're obese. (I should talk!)

[easymoney]

Lisinopril for high blood pressure is one of the most dangerous BP meds around do some research on that first. I took it a few years back ended up in the ER with after effects that lasted months ..

[Txagq8]

I understand people aren't overly enthusiastic to comment an awful lot on new member's introductions, until the new member has vetted themselves by doing their own research.

Much as I hate to admit it you make a good point.

I will say, however, that once a guy gets past introductions and starts posting specific questions or focusing on a specific topic that will typically generate a great deal of comment.

Let’s get to your case. You went to see a urologist. You’re on a BP med and statins. You’ve had sudden onset ED and have noticed BPH.

My goal isn’t to scare you. I’m not a doctor but I’ve seen a bunch of doctor TV shows. I’m 2 years older than you so I can recall Ben Casey and Dr. Kildare.

You need a complete head to toe physical and I would probably include a cardiology work up/stress test. Why? Sudden onset.

Usually just “aging” ED sneaks up slowly over time.

People use the term “venous leakage” a lot to describe the situation where you can get an erection but cannot keep it for very long. That may be leakage or it may just be the arterial flow in isn’t enough to create an erection hard enough to seal off the venous outflow. A guy with this may have been born that way or had an injury at some point. If the venous leakage is due to changes in the circulatory system due to diabetes or age you expect to see this develop slowly…kind of a diminishing quality erection until you get to the point they’re shitty enough to seek treatment. A sudden onset is unusual - it doesn’t mean anything is wrong - but it does suggest you would be wise to rule out anything else going on. ED can be as much of a symptom as it is an ailment.

Once internal medicine and cardiology gave said you’re good to go….then it’ll be time to find a GOOD urologist. They’re out there. If they do implant surgery (even if they’re not the high volume, world class guy you might want an implant from) then it’s a good bet they are knowledgeable about men’s sexual health issues other than to tell you you’re getting older and to try a cock ring.

When it turns out that all your systems are good except for the ED, a good male sexual health urologist has plenty of tools in the tool box to address your issues.

[Martin6469]

Geometer: Welcome to Frank Talk. No trouble-shooting trees here. Probably not possible since biology is more complex than engineering. I find it interesting to go through the years of commentary on subjects of interest, in my spare time. There's a lot of wisdom here from guys who are no longer active, as well as from current members. Time well spent, for me.

At age 54 I had sudden onset ED and curiously larger balls. It was low testosterone (see my signature). When T goes down, the special testicular cells multiply to try to restore it.

I would see an endocrinologist (preferable) or urologist or general practitioner for a T measurement ASAP. In rare cases low T can be caused by a brain tumor.

Good advice from Txagq8. I'll just add that a large urology practice is more likely to have a mens' sexual health specialist than the smaller ones. And many urologists are not interested in our ED situations because there is sometimes a psychological component.

[Geometer]

Thank you for the replies fellows! I appreciate them all and am listening. Sounds like I definitely need to get a more thorough workup on my circulatory system. I am a little disappointed the doctors didn't pursue that on their own, but I am very familiar with the fact patients have to advocate for themselves, and find a doctor who is really paying attention to them.

My testosterone level came back in the normal range.

Thanks again, and you will be hearing more from me. It takes a while to process all this, and I have to get in the right mood to engage on the board. This is a little more personal information than I am used to sharing.