Autoimmune condition

[defiant]

Could an autoimmune condition cause decreased erectile function?

Because for years now my tongue has intermittently developed thrush which is indicative of an autoimmune condition or something anyway. I've had so many tests over the years though that I'm sure someone would have picked it up.

[alibaba]

I am going to address the issue from several directions so please bear with me. The answer is yes, but not a simple yes.

I have immunity issues due to HIV. I also have 2 friends who have battled autoimmune disease for years as it attacks various parts of their body. Thrush is the most common indicator of HIV infection though not always recognized. Well controlled the virus it is less of an issue though anyone can get thrush at any immunity level contrary to common myth. Many meds for thrush treatment work poorly, some work well and though often prescribed for longer doses, 1 dose can clear an infection most of the time.
Back to your question. My ED preceded my immune issue. That said, ED and low testosterone are VERY common in people with HIV. It is not known if it is due to the inflamation caused by the virus or the virus itself. Almost all autoimmune disorders are accompanied by inflamation. It could be joint, skin, organ and can be measured by markers in you blood. Autoimmune disorders often cause the body to attack itself. Those situations can be hard to treat. The cortiosteriods used to treat them cause immuno deficiencies, namely low CD4, low white blood cells. A normal healthy CD4 level above 350, preferably higher gives the body the ability to fight thrush on its own so infections seldom get to the point a person knows they even have one. Thrush is common with a low CD4. This is the same thing HIV does to the body. I have allergy issues. Have my whole life plus a family history. Treating my allergies with prednisone, depomedrol, solumedrol, decadron, kenelog has to be done carefully to keep my CD4 from crashing and yes, I do get thrush when it hits bottom. All these steroids are common to fight autoimmune disorders to along with several meds that mimic the effect of a steroid. Not a comfortable issue as you know. The steroids also work on pituitary and such signals. Our body works on the basis of one gland producing one hormone that tells another gland to produce another hormone. When the steroids or meds are introduced to regulate hormones to keep our body from antagonizing or destroying itself, it triggers other changes and Testosterone production is a common one. ED is also a common factor with steroid use.
Hope this bit gives you a little insight. I am not a doctor, but have years of study, experience with my own body and fortunate to have doctors who will answer my questions with hours long discussions. I hope you have or can find such a doctor if you have issues or many questions.
Good luck. Sorry you have the issues. I hope you find the relief you need.
as a post script, how certain are you that you get thrush infections? If you are only getting a sore tongue and especially if you have cracking at the corners of your lips, then you need to treat it with very high dose vitamin B complex. B is the stress vitamins. During high levels of stress my tongue gets sore and in worst case corners of mouth cracks. Often accompanied by angina. A heavy dose of B complex clears it up. A maintenance dose of B helps keep it away. Been an issue for me for 30 years. After many failed attempts to clear it and doctors always claiming thrush I found a footnote while sitting up reading a Readers Digest condensed medical guide in the early 80's that described the B issue. Been able to keep a handle on it most of the time since.