Self-Cathing's Relation to ED

[ignax]

Does it automatically follow that if you have to self-cath then you will also suffer from ED?

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

There is not a direct relationship between self-cathing and ED. The same disease process may independently be causing both problems, such as a pinched spinal nerve or a stroke.
In your situation, it sounds as though a problem with penile blood flow exists and your bladder may have become overfilled during the surgery (separate issues), or your prostate may have been causing some obstruction to urinate for a while, but your surgery made the issue more of a problem.
You need to see a urologist to sort this out.
S.A.Liroff,M.D.

[rmprdl1964]

Hi, I don't think that there is a relation in using intermittant catherization.
I have used catherization for several years before I started having problems with ED,
I would say that when I developed ED it was about 6 to 7 years after self cath.

The reasons for having ED is a combination several health problems and medications.

I had been diagnosed as having a neurogenic bladder and there for self cath. I also have deteriorating neuropathy, hyper tension, high colestorol, etc.

Should you continue to have ED, I suggest to see a urologist. I would normally use California tri-mix which I inject into the erectile part of the penis. The injections must be injected in this tissue for it to be effective, also we sould be sure not to inject near any of the nerves in the penis. It should in the side of the penis shaft, you can actually feel the erectile chambers.
For me it works well, but since I have had a chatheter in for the last 6 - 7 months.

What is your reason for having to self catherization? Are ther any medications or other medical reasons that could be the cause of ED?

Good luck,

Ron

[ignax]

Thank you for responding with the very helpful information. My self-cath and ED came as a result of surgery to repair an aneurysm, both thoracic and abdominal. I'm taking a long list of medications, each one having all sorts of side effects, so medications could be a cause, The need for self-cathing came immedieately after surgery. I don't know exactly when the ED started.

Thanks again.

Jim