Hey fellas

[Nodoubthi]

Hi, my name is Terry and I was given this website from a Yahoo group I joined. Although I don't think my situation is unusual, it has been difficult for me to find people to discuss this with. About six to nine month ago, I was prescribed an antidepressant from my doctor. I suffer from depression, anxiety, anger issues, and insomnia. I noticed almost immediately that getting hard was becoming more and more difficult. Also, reaching orgasm was close to impossible. Add in loss of libido and I was pretty sunk. Prior to the meds, I didn't have any problems.

Currently, I am at a point that it is a real struggle to get and stay hard. And good luck if I reach orgasm at all. I've just become so discouraged that I don't want to do anything intimate. This also means masterbation. Somwhile the meds have helped me overcome the other issues, now an entire set of issues presents itself. I don't know whether to be happy that I am less depressed and just deal with my new problem. Also, I am nervous about getting off the meds because there is a possibility that the side effects are permanent.

Basically, I can't really discuss this with the guys at work or the gym. It is kind of a party killer. I don't feel getting off the meds is an option for me now either. I just feel torn about it and really, frustrated. What are my next steps? How to move forward? This is sort of train of thought, so I should close up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially from those of you who have been on antidepressants. Thanks, Terry

[antelope]

Hello Terry,

I think the first thing to remember is that erectile quailty issues virtually always present as symptoms of someting else--either as symptoms of an underlying disease or as a side effect from meds used to treat that (or another) underlying medical problem. In my case, it's a close race between diabetes and the meds I take for my cardiac problems. As it happens, the concensus of my medical team was diabetes; stopping the heart meds just to see what happens was never an option. The point is that it is not unusual for meds to be causing erection problems. YOur meds may be different from mine, but meds are meds. What I've learned from this site is that there are enough different ED remedies and therapies out there that surely one of them will work for you. My advice is to get busy, learn all you can (from this site and others) and nag your doctor(s) until you find the best solution. You may want to begin with a vacuum pump, try the various oral pill combos, and move on to injections if none of that works sufficiently. ONe factor to consider is whether or not you had any ED issues prior to starting the regimen of drugs you are now taking. That consideration might point you (or your doc) in a specific direction.

Fact is--there is a solution. Don't give up. I think all of us who have fought this ED thing have come close to or even experienced clinical depression, so we can all sympathize with your situation. Good luck and come join us in the Chat Room. There's a bit of ribald tomfoolery in there, but lots of good info flies about as well. And we do have a good time. Look forward to seeing you there.

Greg

[Nodoubthi]

Thanks Greg for the advice. I will try the chartroom soon. Terry

[franglais]

x

[Josh_14_11]

Terry,

Greg and Mike have already given you some good advice. But most of us have struggled with trying to identify what's an external cause (illness, or the meds for the illness) and what's internal. It's easy for most of us to psych ourselves out when it comes to ED issues, esp. if you've lost some confidence.

I'm not saying that it's "all in your head," or "all in your meds." I'm just saying that many of us can relate to the frustration, and you don't need to feel like your killing the party by talking about it here!

[Nodoubthi]

Terry,

Greg and Mike have already given you some good advice. But most of us have struggled with trying to identify what's an external cause (illness, or the meds for the illness) and what's internal. It's easy for most of us to psych ourselves out when it comes to ED issues, esp. if you've lost some confidence.

I'm not saying that it's "all in your head," or "all in your meds." I'm just saying that many of us can relate to the frustration, and you don't need to feel like your killing the party by talking about it here!

Thanks. But killing the party was more about talking about ED to friends at a party or social gathering. I recognize that here is one place to feel 100% comfortable. However, it is overwhelming as you know. Between trying to run my business, home and social commitments, and family there is much to be desired as far as free time to really do appropriate research. I could see letting time pass for years, and then one day realizing that the solutions were in front of me the whole time. But no, I do feel comfortable here, and look forward to chatting with you guys more, possibly on a one on one level. Thanks, Terry