is it really necessary?

[sleeptheclockaround]

I have been looking at some of the discussion threads and it looks like some guys use different ED treatments not just to have sex but just to experience a healthy erection. I don't know if I'm ready to have sex again but I haven't had a full-on erection in over 2 years. Is that bad for your health? I know it is bad for you to have low testosterone and not get that treated. I get testosterone shots every 2 weeks and feel better in a lot of ways, but I knew it wouldn't bring my ability to get an erection back (I had ED before the injury to my testicles). DO you think going that long would have caused any damage?

[jn1421]

Pete,
Not having an erection for that long is not bad for your health. However, if you are not active with your penis is some form (wanking or sex), it may atrophy and shrink. That is what happend to me. What I do to keep blood flowing and active is penis exercises and pumping.

Dave

[dtwarren1942]

Could you please give us some more details on your situation so we can give you better advice. Have you discussed this with a Urologist? Many guys are using pills, pumping, injections, and implants to correct their problems, depending on the situation.

[Muz061]

Peter, I don't know how long without erections is safe. I feel lucky after 3 years without a real erection to have achieved aided erections which are clearly regenerating the tissue. My advice is you need to get past "embarassment" to being proactive and bringing specialists in on your story so they can give you options for treatment. And don't forget the support and stories and real life advice at communities like this one.

cheers.

[PhilipS]

Yes, it is necessary. You need to be doing some kind of penis therapy to keep the tissue healthy when natural erections are not occuring on a regular basis. A normal healthy man has erections at night, and occasionally during the day, even if he is not sexually active. This is how nature keeps the penis tissue oxygenated and healthy. I did penis massage daily (jelqing, found on the internet) for 3 1/2 years after my RRP surgery ended all erections. About 6 weeks ago I got a "Prelude " penile exercise device, which I found out about on this website, and am "working out" with it daily in lieu of, or in combination with the jelqing. I also use it a couple times a week, prior to pumping up with my VED for sex with my wife. I think it is helping. Philip.