Penile Damage

Hello dr.

Kind of an embarrassing question.  As a teenager I had phimosis as a result I couldn't become stimulated enough to obtain a good erection.  Not knowing any better, I would tie string around the base of my penis and tighten very tightly.  I fear I have damaged my penis as I have never had a good erection as long as I can remember even now that I can retract my foreskin and have good stimulation.

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

There certainly may be an emotional aspect to this, but you may also have damaged your penis. You certainly should not tie anything around your penis any more. The definition of “good erection” is open to controversy. An erection adequate for penetration and one that lasts long enough to satisfy you and your partner  satisfies the definition of “ potent.”
The fact that your could not retract your foreskin would not account for a lack of adequate stimulation unless you were experiencing pain.
You may benefit from  discussing this with a sex therapist  (who may feel that you need to see a urologist).
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

[nfqbc]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize the psychological designation until now...I don't know how to move or delete....

[rmprdl1964]

Hi, you are at the right place to discus this matter. I hope that there is something that can be done for you whether it be physical or psychological.

All the best.

Ron