Serious Erection Problem ruining my life...please help

[alexcc]

Hi, i hope you can take the time out to read this post as i am really affected by this problem. It is a long post, but i have tried to explain things from every angle so you can get a better insight, and hopefully that will help you to offer me any advice/help/ideas.

Unfortunately, i cannot fit the whole message into this post as there is a maximum amount of characters i can type. Please read my problem on the ehealthforum here : http://ehealthforum.com/health/viewtopic.php?p=527106#527106

I hope you can help me.

Thanks ever so much for your time

Alex

[Chris23]

Well to start off, don't worry about what the females think(I know easier said then done)....if the one in the relationship with you likes you she will stay with you no matter what, and if she don't then she isn't worth having.  The issues you are having are quite odd, the gynecomastia makes me remember a friend from a long while back that I think had the same thing.  I'm wondering if your testosterone levels are low and estrogen levels are on the higher end which could easily be happening, so you might have like a chemical imbalance in your body causing this or it could simply be in your head, its really hard to tell since you said you noticed this all after the break-up.  Hope this helps.

[JayJay99]

I just wanted to say that everyone who says ED is usually psychological should become a Dr.  Why?  Because the people who deal with this stuff are called urologists.  Here is what the OFFICIAL website indicates:

"How do I know my ED is not in my head?

Many years ago most men with ED were thought to have psychological problems. This was the result of our ignorance of the normal mechanism of erection and the causes of ED. We now realize that most men have underlying physical causes."

http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=174

If you have ED there are multiple tests that can be conducted.  Do the tests... if the tests come back good, then its psychological.  

Ultrasonography. This test can determine the adequacy of arterial circulation in your genital organs. Ultrasonography involves using a wand-like device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. The transducer emits sound waves that pass through body tissues and reflect back, producing an image to let your doctor see if your blood flow is impaired. The test often is done before and after injection of medication to see if there's an improvement in blood flow.

Neurologic evaluation. Your doctor usually assesses possible nerve damage by conducting a physical examination to test for normal touch sensation in your genital area.

Cavernosometry and cavernosography. Cavernosometry is a test that measures penile vascular pressure. Cavernosography involves injecting a dye into your blood vessels to permit your doctor to view any possible abnormalities in blood flow into and out of your penis.

Blood Test:  To check testosterone levels.  

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00162.html

More...

Blood Tests and Urinalysis
Blood tests can indicate conditions that may interfere with normal erectile function. These tests measure hormone levels, cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, and thyroid function. Excess prolactin (hyperprolactinemea) can lower testosterone levels, which can diminish libido. Both of these levels are measured, as well as levels of other sex hormones. If they are persistently low, an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) should be consulted.

CBC–Complete blood count (CBC) of red cells and white cells is used to evaluate the presence of anemia. A low level of red cells limits the body's utilization of oxygen and can lead to fatigue and general malaise. The level of blood lipids (fats) such as cholesterol and triglycerides may indicate arteriosclerosis, which can reduce blood flow to the penis.

Liver and kidney function tests–Liver and kidney disease can create horomonal imbalances. Blood tests for liver function involves analysis of enzyme and serum creatinine levels, which are indicators of kidney efficiency.

Thyroid function tests–Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and the production of sex hormones; a deficiency may contribute to impotence.

Urinalysis–Urine is analyzed for protein (albumin), sugar (glucose), and hormone (testosterone) levels that may indicate diabetes mellitus, kidney dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency.

Erectile Function Tests
Tests that assess erectile function examine the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and other tissues of the penis and pelvic region.

Duplex ultrasound–Duplex ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow, venous leak, signs of artherosclerosis, and scarring or calcification of erectile tissue. Erection is induced by injecting prostaglandin, a hormone-like stimulator produced in the body. Ultrasound is then used to see vascular dilation and measure penile blood pressure (which may also be measured with a special cuff). Measurements are compared to those taken when the penis is flaccid.

Prostate examination–An enlarged prostate, which can be detected with a digital rectal examination (DRE), can interfere with blood flow and nerve impulses in the penis.

Penile nerve function–Tests such as the bulbocavernosus reflex test are used to determine if there is sufficient nerve sensation in the penis. The physician squeezes the glans (head) of the penis, which immediately causes the anus to contract if nerve function is normal. A physician measures the latency between squeeze and contraction by observing the anal sphincter or by feeling it with a gloved finger inserted past the anus. Specific nerve tests are used in patients with suspected nerve damage as a result of diabetes or nerve disease.

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)–It is normal for a man to have five to six erections during sleep, especially during rapid eye movement (REM). These erections occur about every 90 minutes and last for about 30 minutes. Their absence may indicate a problem with nerve function or blood supply in the penis. There are two methods for measuring changes in penile rigidity and circumference during nocturnal erection: snap gauge and strain gauge.

Snap gauge involves wrapping three plastic bands of varying strength around the penis. Erectile function is assessed according to which bands break. Strain gauge involves placing special elastic bands at the base and tip of the penis. These bands stretch during erection and register changes in circumference.

Penile biothesiometry–This test uses electromagnetic vibration to evaluate sensitivity and nerve function in the glands and shaft of the penis. A decreased perception of vibration may indicate nerve damage in the pelvic area, which can lead to impotence.

Vasoactive injection–When injected into the penis, certain solutions cause erection by dilating blood vessels in erectile tissue. Normally, these injections produce an erection lasting about 20 minutes. During this procedure, penile pressure is measured and x-rays may be taken of the penile blood vessels using a special dye (contrast agent).

http://www.urologychannel.com/erectiledysfunction/diagnosis.shtml

Thanks, Jay