long time reader, first time poster. Introduction story!

[AirWolf]

Welcome jackhammer!

Your story sounds similar to mine -- though I didn't start having issues until my mid-30s, but once I did it was near impossible to have an erection. I am in great shape, workout and run, no diabetes or prostate surgery . . . I think it all adds up to anxiety issues for me. I had great success with injections for over a decade -- it gave a hard erection that was impervious to anxiety. Most docs will say you can use it 3-4 times a week and a small dose gave me an erection for 90 minutes which gave me peace of mind and allowed me to enjoy sex and take my time. The injections, after 12 years, stopped working recently so I'm moving on to an implant, but you might want try that first.

Your story made me chuckle a few times . . . yes, don't blame the beer!

[jackhammerdreamz]

thanks david_r and CCrider!

Definitely will discuss this with a professional.

ALSO I had no idea the side effects of viagra that I am having but didn't know.
Loss of hearing after sex... Feeling faint etc.
I think venous leak is definitely a possibility and there's no way I want to do injections.

We'll see what the pros(and the insurance) says

Thanks everyone

[Dustyknox]

It seems you are asking how to know when you should get an implant?

This was easy for me. I had made up my mind to never go through a failed sexual experience again. So I was either going to remain celibate or have the implant. Even if I wasn't happy with the implant, I knew my life wasn't going to be significantly worse. I only had a little to lose, but a lot to gain.

Seek several doctor opinions, do your research, listen to your body. Only you know what is best for you.

[jackhammerdreamz]

Airwolf and DustyKnox Thank you for your input as well!

I have an appointment to meet with the best doctor I've read about in my state.
He's also listed in the implant directory in physician finder.

I meet him November 2nd so until then I might try ordering an assortment of pills.
Just to see what's out there. The generic 100mg viagra I have now is the absolute worst!

Also, spoke with BCBS and they only cover "medical necessity" so hopefully my doctor finds a way for that to be true.
Venous leakage for example.

I'll update when I hear more or if I find a great pill solution that actually works.

I also have to say this board is exactly what people with ED need.
So often we only have maybe our significant other to talk to about this stuff.
And if your S/O is a woman she doesn't really understand your issue. She just sees the end result.
She wonders why you are so picky with sex.
Or why you aren't assertive or take charge of the bedroom play.
Or thinks your libido is down when you wish you could do her all the time.
Or why you try to rush to intercourse (because you don't want to lose what boner you have!)
She feels unloved because you don't get physically aroused when you play with her...

I've dealt with all of that. It's the absolute WORST and compounds/multiplies the issue you're already suffering with.
This place gives you such a great place to come together and be there for other guys who know your pain and insecurities.

Thanks everyone

[shooter1000]

I would agree with Airwolf. You should give Tri mix injections a try before you go for an implant. I too had good luck with shots for over ten year thus my handle shooter 1000. After a second go around with prostate cancer I had to go for the implant. It certainly has advantages over the shots but the risks are significant and at your age you would like go through several. Perhaps the shots can get you 10 or 15 good years. After over 1000 shots I had no issues with the implant surgery. If you try them use the #31 x 5/16 needles so you do as little damage a possible over time.

Best of luck

[Anonymous3]

Most insurance wil only cover implant till after all other options have failed

[medhatg]

jackhammerdreamz,
your story sounds familiar. I was in denial all my youth time regarding my ED as it was on and off. Almost exact symptoms, I cannot maintain erection. Some times I get really hard on and sometimes not. That continued into my marriage, and as we could not conceive, I went though extensive medical exams that revealed that I have secondary hypogonadism which means that my brain does not send enough signal to the testicles to work. That resulted in the following:
- Low sperm, which explains why I could not get kids
- Low Testosterone, which explains the on/off sex drive.
- Low pregnenolone, which explains why I lose focus and I cannot get in the mood.
Fast forward, the doctors fixed the first one (low sperm count) by certain medication to make the testes work, but they could not get it to produce enough Testosterone. I made some babies and then they decided to give me Testosterone replacement therapy. Anyway, it appeared that the damage was already done to my receptors and ED was getting worse and worse by the day with no definitive cure.
Fast forward to my 50s, I lost all ability for a natural erection without injection which hurt like hell, so I made the decision to go for the Implant which I just had.
I missed out on my youth, I should have got the implant in my 40s or even late 30s and enjoyed my sex life like many men out there.
My advice to you is:
- Get full medical exam to try to figure out what is the cause.
- If there is no definitive way to resolve your ED, GO for the implant. Do not waste your life like I wasted mine. Everyone deserves to have a fully healthy sex life.
Please feel free to ask any questions. Happy to help.

[jackhammerdreamz]

Shooter, Turner and medhatg thank you guys for your input and suggestions!

It really does mean a lot.

I'll definitely have as much testing done as possible.

And won't rush to the implant but also won't rule it out.

I'm seeing Dr Bodie here in MN.
At least one guy here had his implant done by him.
Sounds like a good surgeon and overall cares about getting the best diagnosis he can for his patients.

Cheers everyone!

[medhatg]

jackhammerdreamz,

Make sure you get all the male hormone panel as well as thyroid: Total Serum Testosterone, Free Testosterone, DHT, E2, LH, FSH, TSH, T4, T3, SHBG, Prolactin, DHEA-S, Serum Cortisol.
That's in addition to other tests related to diabetes.

[jackhammerdreamz]

jackhammerdreamz,

Make sure you get all the male hormone panel as well as thyroid: Total Serum Testosterone, Free Testosterone, DHT, E2, LH, FSH, TSH, T4, T3, SHBG, Prolactin, DHEA-S, Serum Cortisol.
That's in addition to other tests related to diabetes.

I'll make sure to note that.

Thank you so much!